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Published on: March 7, 2019
A self-determination theory and motivational interviewing intervention to decrease racial/ethnic disparities in
Lauren S Miller1, Richard H Gramzow2
1Syracuse University, 513 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA. lsmill04@syr.edu.
This study tested a 12-week physical activity intervention using motivational interviewing and self-determination theory. The intervention aimed to increase physical activity, particularly in racial/ethnic minorities, by boosting motivation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Racial/ethnic minorities exhibit significant disparities in physical activity engagement compared to White individuals.
- Lack of motivation is a key barrier to physical activity for minority populations.
- Self-determination theory (SDT) and motivational interviewing (MI) effectively increase physical activity in White populations, but their applicability to minorities is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week physical activity intervention based on SDT and MI in a racially/ethnically diverse sample.
- To determine if the intervention increases physical activity levels across different racial/ethnic groups.
- To investigate potential differential effects of the intervention on physical activity increases between minority and White participants.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week physical activity intervention utilizing principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Inclusion of a racially/ethnically diverse participant sample.
- Hypothesis that the intervention will increase physical activity, with a greater relative increase expected in minority participants due to lower baseline activity levels.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to yield results on the intervention's impact on physical activity levels.
- Expected outcomes include increased physical activity in the overall sample.
- Anticipated findings include a greater relative increase in physical activity among minority participants compared to White participants.
Conclusions:
- The study will provide insights into the generalizability of SDT-based interventions for enhancing physical activity motivation and levels.
- Findings will inform the development of culturally tailored physical activity promotion strategies for diverse populations.
- Results will contribute to understanding how to effectively address racial/ethnic disparities in physical activity.
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