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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Incorporating self-efficacy and interpersonal support in an intervention to increase physical activity in older women
Cindy Costanzo1, Susan Noble Walker
1Creighton University, School of Nursing, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. cindycostanzo@creighton.edu
Purpose:
To compare the efficacy of five versus one session of Behavioral Counseling in a 12-week intervention to increase self-efficacy and family and friend support for activity, and examine self-efficacy and support as mediators of activity among 46 urban women.
Methods:
A randomized, controlled trial conducted during 2004 in Omaha, Nebraska. Outcomes were analyzed with Repeated Measures-ANOVA and path analysis.
Findings:
No significant change was observed in self-efficacy in the five-session group, but a significant decrease was observed in the one-session group (p = .005). Family and friend support increased significantly in the five-session group (p < .001, p = .019). The intervention effect on activity was mediated through change in self-efficacy and family support.
Conclusions:
Five behavioral counseling sessions maintained self-efficacy and increased family and friend support although the intervention did not directly affect activity.
Implications:
The intervention can be replicated within various community settings.
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