Coping Versus Mastery Modeling Intervention to Enhance Self-efficacy for Exercise in Patients with COPD

Abstract

The literature suggests self-efficacy is a determinant of physical activity and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to (1) test the effects of two vicarious experience interventions, coping versus mastery modeling, on self-efficacy in COPD patients performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and (2) determine the type of self-efficacy most strongly related to physical activity in COPD patients. After a baseline assessment of self-efficacy (task, coping for exercise, coping for breathing, scheduling, and walking) and potential moderators, 120 COPD patients watched a mastery model or coping model CPET video, or received usual care verbal instructions. Then, self-efficacy was assessed, followed by a CPET, and another assessment of self-efficacy. Fitbits tracked participants’ step count the week following contact. Repeated measures MANOVAs assessed the intervention effects and multiple regressions assessed the contribution of self-efficacy subtypes to step count. All self-efficacy subtypes improved in the mastery and coping conditions, although greater improvement of self-efficacy for coping with exercise barriers was observed in the coping condition. Self-efficacy did not improve in the control condition and no moderators were identified. Self-efficacy for coping with exercise barriers was the self-efficacy subtype most strongly related to step count. This research suggests modeling is a useful intervention technique to enhance self-efficacy in COPD patients, although coping models may be more beneficial than mastery models for enhancing capability beliefs during complex tasks. Future interventions in COPD patients should target self-efficacy for coping with exercise barriers.

Key Words:

• Vicarious experience
• social cognitive theory
• capability beliefs
• respiratory disease

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne-Marie Selzler

Anne-Marie Selzler, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow. West Park Healthcare Centre, 22 Buttonwood Avenue, Gage Building Pod C, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, M6M 2J5. Phone: [phone], ext: 2293; Email: [email protected]. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4178-2905

Wendy M. Rodgers

Wendy M. Rodgers, Ph.D. Professor and Deputy Provost. 2-40 South Academic Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA, T6G 2G7. Phone: [phone]; Email: [email protected]

Tanya R. Berry

Tanya R. Berry, Ph.D. Professor. 1-153 University Hall, Van Vliet Complex, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA, T6G 2H9. Phone: [phone]; Email: [email protected]

Michael K. Stickland

Michael K. Stickland, Ph.D. Professor. 3-135 Clinical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA, T6G 2R7. Phone: [phone]; Email: [email protected]