HUTCHINSON, Andrew John (2009). Understanding successful physical activity behaviour change using a grounded theory methodology. Doctoral, Sheffield Hallam University.
Documents
17709:330109
PDF (Version of Record)
40105_Hutchison.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
40105_Hutchison.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (5MB) | Preview
Abstract
Research evidence highlights regular physical activity (PA) as an increasingly important
factor in the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. Consequently, encouraging
people to make PA related lifestyle changes is an everyday challenge faced by health
professionals in primary and secondary health care settings. Although a number of
intervention strategies have been developed and implemented, research evidence
presents only limited support for their efficacy. While short-term changes may be
achievable using current intervention strategies, long-term change (i.e. maintenance)
appears much more difficult to achieve.
Although many public health interventions are developed without explicit reference to
theory, evidence suggests that the explicit use of theory will significantly improve the
chances of effectiveness (Nutbeam & Harris, 2004). As no existing theoretical models
are specifically intended to account for PA behaviour change, a number of pre-existing
theoretical frameworks have been adopted to explain PA participation. This thesis
reviews the existing body of theoretical literature in exercise psychology alongside
conducting a systematic review (Study 1) of interventions based on the Transtheoretical
Model (TTM). As a result, the theoretical depth or explanatory quality of existing
models and theories is called into question, when applied to a PA context and specific
phenomena such as long-term PA behaviour change.
After reflecting on the debate surrounding different epistemological viewpoints and
theoretical perspectives, applications of an alternative theory generating research
approach (the Grounded Theory Methodology: GTM) are explored and evaluated. As a
result, in light of the considerable epistemological debate that surrounds GTM, study 2
of this thesis focuses explicitly on methodological issues within exercise psychology. A
critical review of applications of GTM within exercise psychology is conducted. Results
reveal that many existing studies.demonstrate a poor understanding of GTM and/or fail
to present an adequate account of the research process.
Ultimately the results of study 2 provide valuable implications for study 3 of this thesis,
which adopts GTM to develop an ecologically valid explanatory model of long-term PA
behaviour change. Twenty-one adult participants (9 male, 12 female), aged between 38
and 62 years, were recruited from a countywide PA referral scheme. All participants
had made long-term, positive changes to their PA habits. Participants contributed to 25
in-depth interviews. All sampling and analytical procedures were dictated by the key
tenets of GTM and a constructivist theoretical stance. To assist with the GTM process,
the software package QSR-NVivo was used throughout. A grounded theory of longterm
PA behaviour change is presented in the form of a multidimensional explanatory
model. The model identifies a number of observed cognitive processes, which appear
central to PA behaviour change and maintenance. The underlying mechanisms
responsible for these are also highlighted. Results are discussed with specific emphasis
on literature surrounding value theories, core beliefs and the introduction of prominent
clinical psychology and psychotherapy approaches within exercise psychology. Finally,
implications for theory development and applied practice are highlighted and directions
for future research suggested.
More Information
Statistics
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Share
Actions (login required)
![]() |
View Item |