Cognitive strategies and personality variables in adherence to exercise

Variables associated with adherence to a 6-wk jogging program were examined in a group of 26 ++sedentary women, who received instruction and reinforcement for their efforts: one group of 16 received instruction in cognitive self-statements; the other group of 10 did not. Measures included a battery of psychological questionnaires, percentage of body fat, weight, height, and distance run in a 12-min. test. Subjects maintained logs in which they recorded frequency and duration of exercise. Follow-up data were collected at 6-wk. and 6=mo. postprogram. Initial compliance was related to scores on the Self-motivation Inventory, the Type H (Hard-driving) scale of the Jenkins Activity Survey, and the State Anxiety Scale. At 6-mo. follow-up, none of the measures were significantly correlated with exercise frequency.