Sense of coherence as a moderator of health--related behavior of physical education teachers

摘要

Background: Sense of coherence is believed to be the main indicator of health-oriented behavior. Therefore, it is interesting to find out to what extent the sense of coherence moderates health behavior of physical education teachers.Material/Methods: In order to address this issue, 477 physical education teachers were examined (n♀ =235; n♂ =242) aged 23-62 (M = 40.05; SD = 9.09). Three methods were used in the research:Antonovsky’s The Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC-29), Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) by Juczynski and The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire by Cash.Results: Results indicate a positive role of the sense of coherence in adopting Prophylactic Behavior, Positive Psychological Attitudes and Health Practices. However, they do not confirm its role with regard to physical activity. Regression analysis showed that comprehensibility (♀:β = 0.20; p = 0.008; ♂:β = 0.16; p = 0.040) and manageability (♀:β = 0.27; p = 0.001) are likely to result in Positive Psychological Attitudes; and Fitness/Health Evaluation influences Fitness/Health Orientation (♀:β = 0.55; p = 0.000; ♂:β = 0.43; p = 0.000).Conclusions: The average indicator of subjects’ health-seeking behavior indicates a need for intervention in terms of health promotion and education amongst PE teachers. Changes in educating PE teachers may also be advisable.