Using the Constructive Narrative Perspective to Understand Physical Activity Reasoning Schema in Sedentary Adults

Abstract

We used the Constructive Narrative Perspective (CNP), a three-level, progressively complex reasoning schema, to examine how individuals perceive barriers to physical activity. Sedentary adults (N = 23) aged 50 years and older (M = 65.23; SD = 6.03) participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their reasons for physical inactivity. The results provided initial support for using the CNP framework. Level II (self-relevant) and Level III (cognitive-affective schema-related) reasons were most commonly reported. Level I (evidence-based) reasons were less commonly reported. The CNP framework could become a useful tool in tailoring intervention strategies based upon progressively more complex reasoning schema.

Keywords

exercise behavior health behavior change older person qualitative research representation models

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