Women Bound to Be Active (Years 3 and 4): Can a Book Club Help Women Overcome Barriers to Physical Activity and Improve Self-Worth?

Abstract

Little progress has been made toward increasing physical activity in women. This study aimed to determine if an 8-month theory-based book club intervention (Women Bound to Be Active) was effective in increasing: (a) self-worth, (b) benefits relative to barriers to physical activity, and (c) physical activity in women (n = 51). Findings suggested a book club was effective for improving: self-worth, the benefits relative to barriers to physical activity, and possibly participation in physical activity. This is an innovative model to help women become more active and learn skills that may enable them to be active on their own long after a physical activity program has ended.

KEYWORDS:

• exercise
• adherence
• female
• psychosocial
• social cognitive theory
• transtheoretical model
• health
• group-based

Notes

*p > 0.05 for difference between those who completed the intervention and those in the control groups.

Note. *p < .05, Intervention baseline vs. post.

**p > .05, Control baseline vs. post.