Midlife women’s physical activity goals: socio-cultural influences and effects on behavioral regulation

By: Michelle Segar, Jacque Eccles, Stephen Peck, Caroline Richardson


Segar, M. L., Eccles, J. S., Peck, S. C., & Richardson, C. Midlife women’s physical activity goals: socio-cultural influences and effects on behavioral regulation. Sex Roles, 57 (11/12), 837-850

Abstract:

A better understanding of midlife women’s exercise goals could offer insight into the psychosocial facilitators and barriers to their participation. A random sample of US working women (40–60 years) was taken, and resulted in 262 participants. Cluster analysis identified participants’ most important physical activity goal. A five goal cluster solution was identified: (1) sense of well-being; (2) weight loss; (3) health benefits; (4) stress reduction; and (5) weight maintenance/toning. The goal cluster solution was validated and suggested relevant sociocultural influences and potential effects on behavioral regulation (p < .05). Data showed that weight- and health-related goals have sociocultural influences and are associated with more extrinsic and less intrinsic behavioral regulation compared to stress reduction and sense of well-being goals.