Open AccessPsychosocial mediators of physical activity change in a web-based intervention for Latinas.
Author(s) -
Britta Larsen,
Shira Dunsiger,
Dori Pekmezi,
Sarah E. Linke,
Sheri J. Hartman,
Bess H. Marcus
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.548
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1930-7810
pISSN - 0278-6133
DOI - 10.1037/hea0001041
Subject(s) - psychosocial , transtheoretical model , social support , social cognitive theory , intervention (counseling) , mediation , psychological intervention , psychology , physical activity , cognition , clinical psychology , self efficacy , physical therapy , medicine , developmental psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , political science , law
Objective: To determine whether psychosocial constructs targeted in an online physical activity intervention for Latinas mediated changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method: Data were taken from a randomized trial of a web-based MVPA intervention for Latina women age 18-65 ( N = 205) based on social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model. Baseline and 6-month measures included minutes/week of MVPA (ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometers and 7-Day Physical Activity Recall Interview) and theorized mediators (self-efficacy, behavioral processes, cognitive processes, social support, enjoyment). A multiple mediation model adjusting for baseline MVPA was fit using a products of coefficients method, simultaneously testing all hypothesized mediators. Results: MVPA increased more in the intervention group than controls by 50 min/week (self-report) and 31 min/week (accelerometers). For the self-reported MVPA model, there was an intervention effect (a-path coefficient) on self-efficacy ( b = 0.43, p < .01), cognitive processes ( b = 0.64, p < .01), behavioral processes ( b = 0.54, p < .01), and enjoyment ( b = 9.91, p = .01). Changes in self-efficacy ( b = 24.54, p = .03), social support from friends ( b = 2.36, p = .04), and enjoyment (a = 0.74, p = .08) were associated with changes in MVPA (b-path coefficient). However, only changes in self-efficacy ( b = 10.49, 95% CI [2.46, 24.54]) and enjoyment ( b = 7.30, 95% CI [0.92, 21.78]) mediated the intervention effect on MVPA (ab-path coefficient). For the accelerometer-measured MVPA model, intervention effects were significant for self-efficacy ( b = 0.48, p < .01), cognitive processes ( b = 0.62, p < .01), and behavioral processes ( b = 0.61, p < .01), yet only self-efficacy was associated with changes in MVPA ( b = 4.43, p = .03), and mediated intervention effects on MVPA ( b = 12.15, 95% CI [11.25, 16.34]). Conclusions: Future MVPA interventions with Latinas should target self-efficacy and enjoyment to maximize efficacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).