Motivational Strategies for Health Behaviors Dr. Diane E. Whaley 2011 Charlottesville Health Summit

Motivation Defined Motivation includes: the preference for choosing one behavior over another the persistence one displays in sticking with an activity the intensity one exhibits when participating in the activity

Motives for participation must outweigh barriers! Barriers (cons) Motives (pros) Improve health Boost energy Lose weightNo timeNo energy

Decreasing Barriers to Activity While Pregnant Inactive previously, don’t know what to do Provide information, lots of choices, encouragement Afraid of hurting self or baby General agreement exercise good, although should get doctors approval if health conditions exist. Walking, swimming, exercise machines safe choices Changes in body cause self-consciousness Exercise groups with other pregnant women can provide the social support needed

Increasing Motives for Exercise: Key Motivation Concepts Can I do this? Must feel capable of the behavior Do I want to do this? Behavior must have a purpose; that is, it’s important/relevant Will I do this? Have to feel like you have some control over the behavior

“I Can Do This”: Feeling Capable Previous experience good but not required Use models (friends, coworkers) to show us “we can do it”! Start easy and work your way up – take pride in successes.

“I Want To Do This”: Making Exercise Relevant I should exercise because… Makes delivery easier Better for health of newborn Improves ability to lose weight gained during pregnancy Improves energy level during pregnancy

“I Will Do This”: Taking Personal Control Involves creating a plan Find an activity you enjoy – walking, swimming, yoga Schedule exercise into your day Keep a journal

Take Home Messages Any behavior change takes work, and health behaviors may take the most effort. Always consider the pros AND the cons of exercise – need to deal with both. If women feel they can exercise, want to exercise, and feel in control of their exercise, they are far more likely to do it!