查看文章

Although health cognitions are regarded as key determinants for health behavior change, they are rarely studied from a dynamic perspective, evaluating the impact of changes in cognitions on changes in behavior. In the present study, we examine how changes in phase-specific and generic health cognitions influence first, the adoption of exercise and later, the maintenance of the newly acquired behavior. Participants were middle-aged, Finnish adults participating in a lifestyle intervention to prevent Type 2 diabetes (N= 389). Health cognitions and exercise were measured at baseline (preintervention) and twice after a lifestyle intervention took place (at 3 months and after 1 year). The results show that both phase-specific and generic health cognitions changed during the intervention. However, these changes were most pronounced within those participants who started at a lower level to …