Motivating People to Be Physically Active

Bess H. Marcus, PhD, is a professor of behavioral and social sciences and served as the second dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University. She is a clinical health psychologist who has spent over 30 years conducting research on physical activity behavior and has published over 275 papers and book chapters as well as three books on this topic. She has developed a series of assessment instruments to measure psychosocial mediators of physical activity behavior and has also developed low-cost interventions to promote physical activity behavior in community, workplace, and primary care settings. Marcus served on the executive committee for the development of a national strategic plan for physical activity and now serves on the board of directors for the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, the editorial board of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, the international editorial board of the Journal of Mental Health and Physical Activity, and the Rhode Island Long-Term Health Planning Committee. She is actively involved on numerous NIH grants on physical activity behavior and public health. Her work increasingly focuses on promoting physical activity in underserved and vulnerable populations.Dori Pekmezi, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor in the department of health behavior in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research and teaching focus on the application of behavioral theory and technology to physical activity promotion in underserved or at-risk populations. She has published almost 80 professional articles and book chapters on these topics and served as principal investigator or co-investigator on at least 15 physical activity research grants. Pekmezi is also a fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine and a cochair for the professional society’s Physical Activity Special Interest Group.

Motivating People to Be Physically Active, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to designing effective physical activity intervention programs that encourage people to reduce sedentary behavior and incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives.

Part I. Theoretical Background and Tools for Measuring Motivational ReadinessChapter 1. Describing Physical Activity Interventions Physical Activity Recommendations Definitions of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness Physical Activity Interventions Theoretical Models Motivational Readiness for Behavior Change ConclusionChapter 2. The Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change Model Motivational Readiness and the Stages of Change Match Treatment Strategies to Stages of Change Processes of Behavior Change ConclusionChapter 3. Integrating Other Psychological Theories and Models Learning Theory Decision-Making Theory Behavioral Choice Theory Social Cognitive Theory Ecological Model Relapse Prevention Model ConclusionChapter 4. Putting Theories to Work by Looking at Mediators of Change Consider Mediators of Physical Activity Behavior Change Factors That Enhance Physical Activity Unlock the “Black Box” ConclusionChapter 5. Using the Stages Model for Successful Physical Activity Interventions Imagine Action: A Community-Based Program Jump Start to Health: A Workplace-Based Study Jump Start: A Community-Based Study Project Active: A Community-Based Study Project STRIDE: A Community-Based Study Step Into Motion: A Community-Based Study ConclusionPart II. ApplicationsChapter 6. Assessing Physical Activity Patterns and Physical Fitness Discovering Patterns of Physical Activity Behavior Determining Intensity Level Tracking Physical Activity Behavior Assessing Fitness Assessing Physical Activity and Fitness in Group Settings ConclusionChapter 7. Using the Stages Model in Individual Counseling Physical Readiness Physical Activity History Psychological Readiness Confidence Set Short- and Long-Term Goals Measure Success ConclusionChapter 8. Using the Stages Model in Group Counseling Programs Leading a Stage-Based Group Learning From a Sample Stage-Based Curriculum Assessing Your Effectiveness as a Leader ConclusionChapter 9. Using the Stages Model in Work Site Programs Building Support for Your Program Assessing Motivational Readiness Choosing Your Target Audience Reaching Your Target Audience Developing Stage-Matched Materials Focusing on Moderate-Intensity Activity Planning Events Adding Incentives for Participation ConclusionChapter 10. Using the Stages Model in Community Programs Assessing the Community’s Readiness for Change Reaching Individuals Within a Community Developing Stage-Matched Messages Using a Media-Based Approach to Reach Your Target Audience Working With Community Leaders to Reach Your Target Audience ConclusionAppendix A. QuestionnairesAppendix B. Resources