Psychological Correlates of Physical Activity and Exercise Preferences in Metropolitan and Non-Metropolitan Cancer Survivors

AbstractObjectiveInterventions to increase physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors have often adopted a ?one-size-fits-all? approach, and may benefit from being tailored to psychological constructs associated with behavior. The study objective was to investigate the exercise preferences and psychological constructs related to PA among cancer survivors.MethodsPost-treatment colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancer survivors (n=183) living in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas completed survey measures of PA, exercise preferences, attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention toward PA.ResultsA structural equation model with adequate fit and quality indices revealed that instrumental attitude and self-efficacy were related to PA intention. Intention was related to behavior and mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and behavior. Preferred exercise intensity was related to self-efficacy, PBC, attitudes, and intention, while preferred exercise company was related to self-efficacy and PBC. Participants preferred moderate-intensity PA (71%), specifically self-paced (52%) walking (65%) in an outdoor environment (58%).ConclusionsSince instrumental attitude and self-efficacy were associated with PA, incorporating persuasive communications targeting attitudes in PA interventions may promote PA participation. As cancer survivors who prefer low-intensity exercise and exercising with others report lower self-efficacy and PBC, interventions targeting confidence and successful experience in this group may also be warranted.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.