This dissertation introduces a social cognitive model of bystander behavior and examines the mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between bullying victimization and negative outcomes. Based on Bandura’s (1986; 2001) social cognitive theory, this model utilizes two frameworks for understanding bystander behavior in bullying: group process framework (Salmivalli, 2010) and the bystander motivation framework (Thornberg et al., 2012). A research agenda is presented based on the key elements of the proposed model, including bystander agency, bystander self-efficacy, bystander moral disengagement, and bystander collective efficacy. The research study investigated self-efficacy for coping with bullying victimization and its mediating role on the relationship between bullying victimization and the outcomes of depression, anxiety, and perceptions of school safety. The Bullying Victimization Self-Efficacy Scale (BVSES; Kim et al., 2010), the Student Survey of Bullying Behaviors – Revised 2 (SSBB-R2; Varjas et al., 2008) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition (BASC-2; Kamphaus & Reynolds, 2004) were administered to 551 elementary and middle school students in a southeastern urban school district. Using structural equation modeling, a measurement model was used to confirm the factor structure of the latent variables used in the study (i.e., victimization, the BVSES scales, depression, anxiety, and school safety). Then, the hypothesized structure model was used to determine the mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationships of bullying victimization with depression, anxiety, and school safety. An alternative model was tested where depression, anxiety, and school safety were mediators of the relationship between victimization and the BVSES scales as a comparison for the hypothesized model. The measurement model yielded a good model fit, deeming it acceptable for the structure model analysis. The hypothesized and alternative models yielded a good model fit, and significant mediation effects were found in both models. However, the low magnitude suggests that self-efficacy had a relatively weak mediation effect, which may be due to the strength of the relationship between victimization and the outcome variables. This strong direct effect suggests that self-efficacy may not be a substantial mediator influencing the relationship between victimization and the outcome variables. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

The prevention of chronic disease requires understanding and intervention related to both individual and environmental level determinants. However, traditional approaches to chronic disease prevention and management have primarily been focused at the individual level, with limited attention toward environmental level influences on health behaviour. This lack of comprehensiveness is partially due to a paucity of complex theoretical frameworks for clarifying the influences of personal cognitive, and broader environmental, variables on a range of health behaviours. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to expand and test a popular health behaviour theory, Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), to include influences of the perceived food environment on healthy eating behaviour. This study involved two phases. Phase 1 expanded SCT to include a perceived food environment construct through review of the food environment literature. Phase 2 conducted a cross-sectional study of 201 adults (age 35 to 69 years) using an online survey to test the expanded SCT informed by phase 1. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) to compare the traditional and expanded SCT model. Results demonstrated no significant model fit, with no improvement in oveall fit with the inclusion of the perceived food environment. However, the expansion of SCT to include perceived food environment attributes altered the pathways of influence within the social cognitive model, suggesting that the presence of perceived environment measures is important for understanding how perceived environments might mediate the effect of personal cognitive influences on eating behaviour. These findings have implications for food environment research, the development of ecological theories, the field of health promotion and the prevention of chronic disease.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2010. / Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 177-189).

Though the benefits of physical activity are well-studied and accepted, researchers have struggled to identify models of health behavior that accurately predict exercise. This dissertation utilized two components of Bandura's Social-Cognitive Model (self-efficacy and outcome expectancies) and added the construct of fear of failure in order to evaluate what factors influence an individual's decision to exercise or avoid physical activity. Self-report data assessing fear or failure, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and physical activity were collected from 248 university students and were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques in order to evaluate the proposed structural model, which hypothesized that fear of failure would negatively relate to the two Social-Cognitive variables, which were expected to positively predict physical activity engagement. Results revealed that although fear of failure did not add significantly to the Social-Cognitive model, a large portion of the variance in physical activity (i.e., 49%) could be accounted for by the model. Additionally, results indicated that outcome expectancies were a much stronger predictor of physical activity than self-efficacy beliefs. This finding is discussed in relation to how individual differences and genetics may influence how rewarding or aversive individuals find exercising. Implications for intervention and directions for future study, including alternate ways of adding affect to the model are discussed.

This study is an investigation of how experiences of discrimination, self-efficacy, and the associated outcome expectations influence health care utilization of young college students. The relationships tested were informed by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (Andersen, 2008), the most widely used model to understand and predict health care utilization. Andersen proposed that health care utilization is influenced by predisposing (i.e., personal characteristics), enabling (i.e., income, insurance), and need (i.e., perception of illness) factors. However, his model has been criticized for not taking in consideration social factors and oversimplifying the role of ethnicity as a predictor (Bradley et al., 2002). The purpose of this study is to expand the explanatory power of Andersen’s model, by including psychosocial variables (e.g., discrimination, self-efficacy). One hundred and eighty-five students completed a 20 minute online survey, which included measures of experiences of discrimination, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, attitudes, and demographic variables. Results indicated that self-efficacy to communicate with physicians was a significant predictor of health care utilization, although experiences of discrimination were not. The effects of discrimination on health care utilization were further found to be mediated by self-efficacy to communicate with physicians. The present study's finding provided support for the inclusion of psychosocial variables (i.e., self-efficacy) in Andersen's model to increase its explanatory power.

abstract: As the number of travelers around the world grows, the importance of managing tourism destinations in a sustainable manner becomes increasingly important. Sustainable tourism has long been discussed as necessary for managing tourism responsibly, yet adoption of sustainable strategies and operationalization has been slow. Initiatives and programs often focus on environmental components of sustainability and the role of large companies. Certification programs are one way in which destinations are operationalizing community-wide sustainable tourism and small businesses are engaging in sustainability initiatives and recognition. Using social cognitive theory as the research framework, this study examined internal and external motives and their influence on small business participation in sustainable tourism certification and sustainability practices. Incentives for behavior, modeling of other businesses, company values, and self-efficacy were examined as motives and barriers. Regression analysis and independent samples t-tests were used to examine statistical relationships. This study partnered with the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) to study businesses that hold Adventure Green Alaska sustainable tourism certification or are viewed as prospects for certification. From a list of 77, 44 Alaska tourism businesses responded to an online questionnaire to participate in this study. Businesses were categorized into those with certification (n = 31) and those without (n=13). Results indicated participation in sustainability practices to be higher among certified businesses than non-certified. Internal motives indicated to be more significant than external motives for participation in sustainable practices and certification. Company values were of high importance to both certified and non-certified businesses in implementing sustainable practices and certification. Consumer interest and marketing benefits were important incentives for participation in sustainability strategies. These findings have implications for tourism industry associations and organizations interested in the operationalization and development of sustainable tourism. This study is expected to aid in marketing and retention efforts for sustainable tourism certification programs, as well as future direction for development of sustainable tourism certification. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Community Resources and Development 2017

abstract: The purpose of this pilot randomized control trial was to test the initial efficacy of a 10 week social cognitive theory (SCT)-based intervention to reduce workplace sitting time (ST). Participants were currently employed adults with predominantly sedentary occupations (n=24) working in the Greater Phoenix area in 2012-2013. Participants wore an activPAL (AP) inclinometer to assess postural allocation (i.e., sitting vs. standing) and Actigraph accelerometer (AG) to assess sedentary time for one week prior to beginning and immediately following the completion of the 10 week intervention. Self-reported measures of sedentary time were obtained via two validated questionnaires for overall (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]) and domain specific sedentary behaviors (Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire [SBQ]). SCT constructs were also measured pre and post via adapted physical activity questionnaires. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either (a) 10 weekly social cognitive-based e-newsletters focused on reducing workplace ST; or (b) similarly formatted 10 weekly e-newsletters focusing on health education. Baseline adjusted Analysis of Covariance statistical analyses were used to examine differences between groups in time spent sitting (AP) and sedentary (AG) during self-reported work hours from pre- to post- intervention. Both groups decreased ST and AG sedentary time; however, no significant differences were observed. SCT constructs also did not change significantly between pretest and post test in either group. These results indicate that individualized educational approaches to decreasing workplace sitting time may not be sufficient for observing long term change in behaviors. Future research should utilize a larger sample, measure main outcomes more frequently, and incorporate more environmental factors throughout the intervention. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Exercise and Wellness 2013

Adults in Hong Kong show relatively low participation in physical activity. In the wake of technological advancements, it has become necessary to promote physical activity in an innovative approach. To that end, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an application of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) under an eight-week electronic activity monitor system (EAMS)-based intervention on changes in physical activity (PA) as well as its associated SCT constructs of self-efficacy, social support and self-regulation for working adults in Hong Kong. A series of studies were performed: Study 1: In order to assess the validity of the step count output of two popular electronic activity monitor system (EAMS) model, Fitbit Charge HR and Xiaomi Mi Band 2, healthy adult (N=30) worn both EAMS and walked at five predetermined speeds on a treadmill. Two-factor (step x speed) repeated measures ANOVAs was performed to compare the output of devices with manual step count. Result: there was no significant mean difference (p> 0.05) in step count among the Fitbit Charge HR and Mi Band 2 activity monitors and the criterion in all treadmill speeds. Both of them are valid devices for step count in the laboratory setting. Study 2: As to assess the validity of step measurement of Mi Band 2 in the free-living environment, 31 healthy adults were invited for wearing both Mi Band 2 and ActiGraph GT9X Link on their dominant hands wrist for 7 consecutive days. Paired sample t-tests and Pearson correlation were conducted to compare the average steps per day between Mi Band 2 and ActiGraph GT9X Link. Result: there was no significant mean difference (p >0.05) and high positive correlation in step count between the Mi Band 2 and Actigraph. The Mi Band 2 is a valid device for step count in the free-living environment. Study 3: To examine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of PA related self-efficacy, self-regulation and social support in Hong Kong Chinese adults. There were 230 healthy adults aged 19-63 years recruited. The factorial validity of the scales was assessed by the Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) while criterion validity was assessed by correlating measured constructs with self-reported PA. The internal consistency and scales test-retest reliability were evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Result: indicators of CFA supported the one-factor structure while all PA correlates were significant (p<0.01) associated with self-reported PA. All scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The results provided psychometric support for using the Chinese version of the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong adults. Main Study: A two-armed randomised controlled trial took place to investigate the effect of an EAMS-SCT intervention on changes in PA and its associated SCT constructs for working adults in Hong Kong. Sixty-four (26 males, 38 females, mean age = 39.98, SD =7.06) participants were stratified based on their job nature and randomly assigned to the control, EAMS only group (n = 33) and the treatment, EAMS-SCT group (n =31) after data screening. Both groups received an EAMS, whereas the EAMS-SCT group received SCT elements in the eight-week intervention, which comprised of one physical activity advisory session conducted by a certified personal trainer and four WhatsApp delivered sessions conducted by the researcher. Outcome measures: Measures of PA (by IPAQ MET score) and SCTs constructs (by the scale of Exercise Self-efficacy, Social Support for Exercise and Physical Activity Self-regulation) of two groups at three times of measurement. 2 x 3 (Group x Time of Measurement) mixed ANOVA and mixed MANOVA were conducted respectively for PA and SCTs constructs for detecting group difference.Results: The interaction effect between different groups (EAMS only and EAMS-SCT) on the participants' score on IPAQ, across three times of measurement (pre-intervention, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up) was significant. The mean IPAQ MET scores of participants in both groups (EAMS only, from 957.64 to 1235.82, EAMS-SCT group from 883.49 to 1420.86) increased and statistically significant difference from its scores than that of the pre-intervention. However, there was no statistically significant difference in IPAQ MET scores between the groups. There was a statistically significant multivariate effect of SCT constructs across the interaction between the groups and time of measurement: F (6, 57) = 7.267, p = .000, with large effect size. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the score of exercise self-efficacy, social support for exercise and physical activity self-regulation from pre- intervention to post-intervention were significantly higher in the EAMS-SCT group. There was no significant difference in the score of physical activity self-regulation between the EAMS only group and the EAMS-SCT group. Meanwhile, there was a significant mean difference in exercise self-efficacy and social support for exercise at Week 8 and social support for exercise at Week 12 between EAMS only and EAMS- SCT group. Conclusion: The participants in the EAMS-SCT group show a significant increase in physical activity level and all three related SCT constructs. Both the EAMS only and the EAMS-SCT groups have an increase in the IPAQ MET score and the score of the scale of physical activity self-regulation after the 8-week intervention. Participants in the EAMS-SCT group exhibit higher scores in the scales of exercise self-efficacy and social support for exercise than participants in the EAMS only group after the 8-week intervention.

Malaria is a major health dilemma with over 90% deaths occurring in Africa, south of the Sahara (WHO, 2003). Malaria has become endemic in South Africa, especially in the northeastern areas of three provinces, namely KwazuluNatal (KZN), Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The vulnerability of the infection is high during the summer rainy season between the months of September and May (Morris et al., 2013). ). An important case for consideration is the impact of malaria on the health of learners within these endemic areas. The study explored the possibility of promoting awareness of malaria education through the Life Skills curriculum in the Foundation Phase. The study applied Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) (Bandura, 1977) and the theory of Situated Cognition (Brown, Collins & Duguid, 1989) in an attempt to explain the link between curriculum and malaria health education. The study uses two qualitative customs of inquiry, namely narrative inquiry and case study approaches. The research sites were two primary schools in the Hamakuya area of the Vhembe district that were purposefully selected. The participants were 21 learners in the Foundation Phase from the abovementioned two schools, ten parents and seven Foundation Phase teachers. Data were collected by means of semistructured interviews and documents analysis. The data were analysed through thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The study results revealed that teachers did not demonstrate holistic knowledge to embrace the entirety of the content they need to teach the children in the Foundation Phase about malaria. The study highlights that malaria incorporation into the Life Skills curriculum in the Foundation Phase may become may successfully bridge the malaria knowledge gap. The need for a health curriculum that integrates curriculum elements (such as planning, enacting and assessing learning outcomes) was revealed. This is necessary to entrench Foundation Phase learners with desired learning outcomes. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Early Childhood Education / PhD / Unrestricted

Falls are a significant public health problem with serious consequences. Fall related consequences have the potential to drastically and negatively impact the quality of life of patients who fall, and the care for fall patients is already putting a significant strain on the health care system. Advanced age has long been associated with falls. The fraction of the population represented by those of such an advanced age is increasing rapidly, subsequently the number of persons at risk for falling is also rapidly increasing. While advanced age is non-modifiable, there are many risk factors for falls which can be modified to potentially and ideally decrease the prevalence of falls. Physical inactivity is one such risk factor. Efforts to increase the amount of physical activity performed by a population at risk of falling could reduce number of falls in that population, and in turn could reduce the negative impact of fall related consequences in that population and have significant public health benefits. A particular set of exercises called the Otago exercise has already demonstrated efficacy at reducing fall rates in the elderly. Prior studies of the Otago exercise program were limited by poor compliance. There is evidence that behavioral interventions, particularly social cognitive theory, can be an effective means of increasing compliance with recommended physical activity regimens. Smartphones have the potential to be used as more cost effective means of delivery for social cognitive theory. The effectiveness of such a strategy has not been evaluated in the elderly population at risk for falling however. The following proposal is for a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a smartphone application designed to utilize the principles of social cognitive theory to increase compliance with the Otago exercises in an elderly population at risk of falling compared to the standard delivery of the Otago exercise. Patients from the Boston Medical Center geriatric practice will be enrolled to the protocol. Outcomes will include compliance with the prescribed exercises, falls, and engagement with the application.