Is there a relationship between stages of change and perceived self-efficacy related to exercise among low-risk pregnant women

The theoretical framework used for this study was based on Prochaska and DiClemente's (1983) Transtheoretical Model. The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between stage of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance) and perceived self-efficacy regarding exercise among low risk pregnant women. Data was obtained through a survey of 140 low risk pregnant women From two private obstetricians' offices. Participants were between 18 and 43 years old and primarily Caucasian (75%) and high school educated (85%). Each participant was successfully categorized into a stages of change based on their reported exercise behavior. The levels of self-efficacy for each of the five situations within each of the self-efficacy groups were determined. One-way ANOVA showed self-efficacy was significantly related to stage of change F (3, 127) = 10.55, p <. 001, but post Hoc Scheffe' test revealed that the action stage was the only stage significantly different from subjects in all other stages. Study findings partially supported the notion that self-efficacy may be an important indicator of current and future exercise behavior during pregnancy.