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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between message framing and behavioral expectancy in maintenance stage runners. Further, correlational analyses were computed to examine the relationship between level of motivation and Locus of Control (LOC). Motivation and LOC were measured before the participant was presented with positively, negatively, or neutrally framed messages (based on random assignment). Participants then answered a level of behavioral expectancy (i.e., how likely or unlikely they are to engage in this behavior) and an explanation of cognitive evaluation in the form of a qualitative question (why the provided message was persuasive or not). This stage was operationalized as running for at least one year, competing in at least one race per year, and running at least one mile per week. The sample consisted of mTurk (Amazon’s Mechanical Turk) users. Results indicated that the neutral message framing condition was significantly different in terms of behavioral expectancy from that of both the positive and negative message framing conditions. The positive and negative message framing conditions, however, did not result in significant differences in behavioral expectancy. Finally, while Locus of Control and levels of motivation are positively correlated in the literature, there was no significant correlation between these variables in this study. Conclusions from this research can be used to inform future health campaigns directed towards those already engaging in physical activity. Furthermore, results can be used to inform future research on message framing in non-active populations.

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The purpose of the present thesis was to explore the cognitive, affective and behavioural correlates of adults’ exercise goals using the goal content perspective forwarded in Self-determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000). In Study 1, to facilitate theoretically consistent measurement of exercise goal content, the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) was developed and validated in multiple adult samples (N = 1306). In Study 2, analysis of cross-sectional data from 410 adults showed that relative intrinsic goal content (assessed by the GCEQ) predicted variance in adaptive cognitive, affective and behavioural aspects of exercise. Commensurate the hypotheses of SDT, the effect of goal content on cognitive and affective (but not behavioural) variables remained significant above and beyond exercise behavioural regulation. The cognitive and affective effects of goal content were shown to be partially mediated by psychological need satisfaction. In Study 3, qualitative analysis of exercisers (N = 11) experiences of pursuing relative intrinsic/extrinsic goals revealed themes that advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the findings of Study 2. Extending the findings of Study 2, using a prospective design and objective behavioural assessment, in Study 4 (N = 101) a motivational sequence from goal content to engagement in health-enhancing bouts of exercise behaviour via behavioural regulation was observed. Collectively, the four studies provide a comprehensive analysis of exercise goal content from an SDT perspective. The findings highlight the utility of the goal content construct in understanding motivation for exercise and provide a foundation for theoretically aligned future research.

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Engaging in regular exercise has multiple health benefits--for example, physical (Anshel, 2003; Penedo & Dahn 2005); mental (Stathopoulou, Powers, Berry, Smits, & Otto, 2006); emotional (Berger Pargman, & Weinberg, 2002); and social (Anshel, Reeves, & Roth, 2003; Dishman, 1994; Lox, Martin, & Petruzzello, 2003). Unfortunately, there are as many barriers to people exercising (e.g., time, cost, and accessibility) as there are benefits. Consequently, approximately two-thirds of individuals living within the United States do not engage in regular exercise (i.e., 3 days per week for at least 45 minutes; CDC, 2006). Multiple interventions have been implemented to help individuals initiate regular exercise (e.g., psychotherapy, physicians, and community programs), but none of them review how an individual alters his or her thoughts about exercise that could lead to initiation. Addressing an individual's beliefs about engaging in regular exercise will add to the understanding of how modifying thoughts can help lead to initiation. The purpose of the current study was to monitor the use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-style interviews to help three male participants who have had difficulties beginning and sustaining regular exercise explore their thoughts about exercise and potentially begin an exercise routine. In this dissertation, a comprehensive background is provided, outlining and explaining definitions affiliated with REBT, exercise, and mental health. Then a thorough literature review is provided, which outlines previous research on exercise interventions. In response to the specific research questions posed, the results of the current study indicate that using a variety of active directive REBT style interviews helped three men modify their beliefs about exercise and consequently improve their motivation to routinely engage in the behavior. Finally, limitations, implications, and directions for future research and practice are provided.