Perceived social support, self-esteem, and locus of control as predictors of health behaviors, including: Participation in regular physical activity and smoking behavior.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among perceived social support, self-esteem, and locus of control with overall health behaviours, including regular physical activity and smoking behaviour. Each predictor variable: perceived social support, self-esteem, and locus of control has been described as a theoretical construct within the health-related literature. Perceived social support was measured via Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ), Self-esteem was measured via the Coopersmith Self-Inventory (SEI), and Locus of control was measured via the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). Overall health behaviours, a dependent variable was measured via the Personal Lifestyle Questionnaire (PLQ). Regular physical activity and smoking were measured through specific questions in the PLQ and through the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall u26 Behavioural Intention Questionnaire and smoking behaviour questionnaire. The results of this study indicated no significant relationship between self-esteem and overall health behaviours. However, social support, chance health locus of control, age and sex were significant predictors of overall health behaviours. Chance health locus of control, age and sex were predictors of regular physical activity. Age and sex were also predictors of an individualu27s intentions to participate in physical activity. To determine if predictors of overall health behaviours differed for those who with good or poor health practices, individuals were labelled at-risk and not at-risk based on their responses to the PLQ. Chance health locus of control was the sole predictor of the at-risk group and social support, internal health locus of control, sex, age and education were all significant predictors of the not at-risk group. Due to the small number of respondents who smoked, statistical analysis was not computed.Dept. of Kinesiology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses u26 Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1995 .R59. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 34-06, page: 2480. Adviser: Richard Moriarty. Thesis (M.H.K.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1995.