Social Cognitive Theory Paper

Article Critique – Social Cognitive Theory

Purpose/Objectives:

A recent study by Taylor et al. (2015) was a pioneer study on examining Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) applied to physical activity (PA) behavior among individuals with prediabetes. Its main purpose was to investigate whether a SCT framework would be suitable or unsuitable for understanding such health behaviors among the prediabetes population. Other objectives were not explicitly mentioned in the study. However, Taylor et al. highlighted the significance of understanding the individual’s motivation and self-efficacy to become physically active (2015).

Methods:

The study recruited a sample consisting of 232 individuals currently enrolled in a prediabetes class located in Alberta,

Data was collected from survey packages mailed to eligible participants. A Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire measured intensity of PA in metabolic equivalent of task (MET) per minute each week (MET.min/wk). A self-efficacy for exercise scale consisted of 9 items on an 11-point scale concerning confidence. Researchers used a neighborhood environment walkability scale to measure walking distance (Taylor et al., 2015). Responses to two statements specific for SCT constructs were measured with a Likert scale of seven

Nonetheless, researchers did not recommend using this study’s data to develop an intervention without first considering other SCT, demographic, environmental, and health correlates not included in this study (Taylor et al., 2015). A possible future research route would include examination of other SCT constructs and determination on whether SCT or another theory is an appropriate framework for understanding this behavior in this