Master's Theses

Department

Health and Human Performance

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various psychological and physiological variables upon the adherence of female college students. Adherence to a program of habitual physical activity has significant implications form the standpoint of preventive medicine as well as rehabilitation following illness. A review of the literature indicated most researchers place the adherence figure at around 50 percent for all therapeutic regimens. Thus it was the intent of this researcher not only to categorize individuals according to their adherence patterns, but also evaluate several other psychological and physiological variables. Sixty six subjects, age 18-22, served as volunteers and were enrolled in several activity classes during the 1984 spring semester. All subjects were given four written tests and tested on four physiological factors. The explanatory variables involved in this study included, attitude, self-concept, lifestyle, 1.5 mile time, percent fat, flexibility, abdominal muscular endurance, and the dependent variable, adherence. Sample data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. To aid in the interpretation of data, the dependent variable was treated as both a continuous and dichotomous variable. The .05 level of significance was utilized for both testing procedures. The multiple regressions testing technique revealed no significance with the physiological variables. A significant result was found between the psychological factor, self-concept and the dependent variable, adherence. Based on the findings and within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. abdominal endurance provided the best relationship physiologically with the female’s adherence. 2. Self-concept provided the best relationship psychologically with the female’s adherence. 3. Psychological variables provide the best relationship with the female’s adherence when compared to the physiological variables. 4. Self-concept and abdominal muscular endurance provided the best regression equation in categorizing the female as an adherer or non-adhere. 5. Classification of the female subjects’ revealed 39 adherers and 27 non-adheres as identified through Dishman’s Self-Motivation Assessment Scale.

Keywords

Health

Advisor

Mark Giese

Date of Award

Summer 1984

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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