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Twyford, Jessica Louise (2013) Determinants of exercise intention and behaviour in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia using a revised version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Objective: The physical inactivity of people with schizophrenia, presents a risk for cardiovascular disease and other physical and mental health problems. To date, current research applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand exercise behaviour has been carried out with the general public, with little consideration for those with a psychiatric disability. The aim of the present study was to test the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, with additional variables of self-efficacy and health professional support in the prediction of exercise intention and behaviour in people with schizophrenia.
Method: A total of 214 participants took part in the study, 105 individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 109 from the general population completed a questionnaire containing measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour variables, self-efficacy, health professional support and exercise behaviour using Godin Leisure time activity questionnaire (GLTQ).
Results: Findings showed that people with schizophrenia did significantly more walking than the general population but significantly less moderate to strenuous exercise. Major predictors of exercise intention in people with schizophrenia were self-efficacy, perceived behavioural control and health professional support, accounting for 33.4% of the variance in intention.
Exercise behaviour was predicted by self-efficacy and fruit and vegetables intake, accounting for 13% of the variance. The addition of self-efficacy and health professional support increased the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to individuals with schizophrenia
Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that psychiatric services need to respond to the low levels of exercise in schizophrenia by providing exercise programmes that enhance selfefficacy and provide adequate support. It is hoped that this study will encourage mental health practitioners to be more open to less conventional alternatives and guide clinicians to the development of exercise interventions for individuals with schizophrenia.
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