Validity of the Health Belief Model as a Predictor of Activity in Younger and Older Adults

• Main Author: Weigand, Daniel A. (Daniel Arthur)
• Other Authors: Hayslip, Bert
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1993
• Subjects: physical activity; Health Belief Model; young adults; older adults; Health behavior > Age factors.; Health attitudes.; Exercise.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500472/

The present investigation assessed Health Belief Model (HBM) variables and a measure of physical activity for both younger and older adults. Results of discriminant analyses suggest HBM variables and physical activity can predict age-group membership with 89% accuracy. The younger sample (n = 88; M= 21.5 years) was significantly more anxious about aging, perceived more barriers to exercise, less control from powerful others, and more social support than the older sample (n = 56; M = 71.8 years). For the younger sample, those who perceived more benefits of exercise, had social support, were male, and were less anxious about aging were more active. For the older sample, those who perceived more benefits of exercise were more likely to be active.