Religiosity and Physical Activity as Quality of Life Determinants in Middle -Aged to Older Adults
Konopack, James F.
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/86389
Description
Title
Religiosity and Physical Activity as Quality of Life Determinants in Middle -Aged to Older Adults
Author(s)
Konopack, James F.
Issue Date
2007
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
McAuley, Edward
Department of Study
Kinesiology and Community Health
Discipline
Kinesiology and Community Health
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Health Sciences, General
Language
eng
Abstract
Physical activity has been established as a determinant of quality of life throughout the aging process. Recent research has suggested that physical activity influences global quality of life perceptions through changes in self-efficacy and health status. In addition to physical activity, religiosity is considered to be an important quality of life determinant for many individuals. Recent polls indicate that most Americans consider themselves to be religious and/or spiritual, yet the exact manner in which religiosity is related to global quality of life has not been established. This study tested a model in which physical activity, religiosity, and social support were hypothesized to influence global quality of life in paths mediated by self-efficacy and health status. Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 215 (male, n = 51; female, n = 164) adults above the age of 50 (M age = 66.55 years). Covariance among study variables was analyzed using structural equation modeling in an established two-step procedure involving tests of a measurement model and a structural model. Both models fit the data, with partial support being demonstrated for self-efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between physical activity and quality of life. Although self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between religiosity and quality of life, social support emerged as correlate of both religiosity and self-efficacy and may therefore play an important role as a mediator in the relationship between religiosity and quality of life.
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