Specific efficacy expectations mediate exercise compliance in patients with COPD

Investigated specific vs generalized expectancies as mediators of changes in exercise behavior among 60 patients (mean age 64.79 yrs) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ss were given a prescription to increase exercise and assigned to groups receiving either attention or attention plus specific training to increase their exercise. After 3 mo, groups given specific training for compliance with walking significantly increased their activity compared with the attention-only group. These changes were mediated by changes in perceived efficacy for walking, with efficacy expectations for other behaviors changing as a function of their similarity to walking. A generalized health locus of control expectancy measure was less clearly associated with behavior change. Results support A. Bandura's (1977) theory of social learning and self-efficacy.