Abstract
Complementary use of theories may provide more information about adherence to exercise therapy than a single theory. Top-down theories (Self-Efficacy Theory: SET) outline cognitive processes that affect behavior. Bottom-up theories (Common Sense Model: CSM) consider individuals' appraisals that influence behavior. Both SET and CSM were used in complimentary fashion to examine psychological aspects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) initiates' exercise adherence. A prospective design was used to examine participants during the 3-month initiation phase of a standard CR program. Our first purpose was to determine if strength of CSM illness perceptions (IP) could classify CR initiates to stronger/weaker IP groups. Our second purpose was to detect any differences between IP groups on SET variables and 3-month exercise adherence. Participants (N =49) completed the IP Questionnaire, self-regulatory efficacy and negative outcome expectations (OEs) scales. At CR onset, cluster analysis successfully classified participants to weaker (n = 21) and stronger (n = 28) IP groups. Groups differed significantly on the IPs of illness identity, consequences, and emotion (p = .0001). The stronger IP group had higher negative OEs (p = .03) and was less adherent to CR exercise after 3 months (p = .04). This study identifies new psychological differences relative to CR initiates' adherence to exercise by using complimentary theories.Acknowledgments: CIHR MSc & Canada Research Chair awards