Is strength of problem solving effectiveness related to physical activity social cognitions?

Abstract

The Prescriptive Model of Problem Solving suggests, when faced with a challenging problem, effective problem solvers generate better solutions than less effective counterparts. Reviews identify problem solving (PS) as a component of physical activity (PA) interventions but neither assess PS nor measure individual differences. We examined individual differences in social cognitions (e.g., self-regulatory efficacy: SRE)related to PA and adherence to establish an evidence benchmark. The Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) was used to determine strength of PS effectiveness. We hypothesized PS effectiveness would predict 1) SREbaseline and SREpost-problem; 2) persistence; 3) PS approach (task & self-diagnostic). Seventy-nine exercisers of varied PA level completed the SPSI-R and SREbaseline. Next, all read a relevant, pretested, exercise-problem vignette, then completed measures of SREpost-problem, persistence and PS approach. Regressions indicated PS effectiveness was related to SREbaseline (R2adj = .20, p < .001); SREpost-problem (R2adj = .15, p < .001); persistence (R2adj = .06, p < .05); PStask (R2adj = .09, p < .01) and PSself (R2adj = .13, p < .001). This first examination of PS effectiveness in an exercise study context demonstrates the predicted relation to PA social cognitions. Implications for examining PS effectiveness in clinical populations using PA for health promotion/rehabilitation will be discussed.

Acknowledgments: Funded by SSHRC Award No. 752-2009-2473 and Canada Research Chair Provincial Award.