Rethinking barriers: a novel conceptualization of exercise barriers in cancer survivors. Issue 10 (26th November 2017) - Lee, Morgan S.
Abstract: Previous research suggests different types of barriers may demonstrate different relationships with intention to engage in health behaviors. This study explored global, practical, and health-related barriers' relationships with exercise intention and behavior among cancer survivors. The mediating role of intention in the barriers-behavior relationships was also evaluated. Cancer survivors ( N = 152) completed self-report measures of exercise barriers, intention, and behavior at baseline and of exercise behavior two months later. Global barriers were negatively related ( p < .01) and practical and health-related barriers were unrelated ( p s ≥ .07) to exercise intention. Global and practical barriers were negatively related ( p s < .01) and health-related barriers were unrelated ( p = .48) to subsequent exercise behavior. Exercise intention did not mediate any barriers-behavior relationships. Results suggest that global and practical barriers should be targeted in barriers reduction interventions and highlight the intention-behavior gap problem. Future research should explore multidimensionality of barriers for other health behaviors.