Predicting Physical Activity Behavior Change Among Individuals Living With Severe Mental Illness

Individuals living with a severe mental illness (SMI) have an increased risk of comorbid health conditions, many of which can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle habits and medication side effects. The purpose of the present study is to examine health behavior theories including the social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, and theory of planned behavior in an effort to predict individuals living with SMI's stage of change (SOC) relating to physical activity (PA). Each theory focuses on important theoretical behavior changing components, such as self-efficacy, autonomy, and intention. The sample of this study includes 60 people with SMI from an assertive community treatment (ACT) program in a large Midwestern city. The results indicated that individual outcome expectations may be the proximal predictor of SOC, although significant relationships were found between SOC, self-efficacy, autonomy, and intentions as well. Future research should focus on the value of positive beliefs about the benefits of PA as that was found to be significant predictor regarding individuals with SMI and their readiness to engage in PA.