Possible mediators and moderators of the class size-member adherence relationship in exercise

Abstract

This study examined class size-member adherence relationships in exercise and determined if they were moderated by the instructor or mediated by members' perceptions and satisfactions or class cohesion. Subjects were 256 university students enrolled in medium (18–26) or large (70–90) size exercise classes. Satisfactions with and perceptions of the instructor, exercise environment, and classmates were assessed with 9-point Likert items. Cohesion was measured with a modified Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron, Widmeyer, & Brawley, 1985). Adherence was reflected by attendance and perceived exertion. The 2 × 2 (Size × Instructor) ANOVAs showed members of large classes had better attendance and perceived that they optimally exerted themselves more frequently than did members of medium size classes. The nonsignificant instructor effects indicated leadership was not a moderating variable. One-way MANOVAs revealed that members of the large classes were more socially cohesive, satisfied, and had more favorable perceptions. That none of these outcomes was related to attendance, but all three were related to members' perceived exertion suggests that these variables may be mediating only the size-exertion relationship. Results emphasize the importance of employing multiple measures of adherence, distinguishing between adherence and compliance, and examining group variables such as size when studying physical activity participation.