article Open Access (green) EN 2006-10-01

Long-Term Married Couples' Health Promotion Behaviors: Identifying Factors that Impact Decision-Making

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Vol. 32, Issue 10, pp. 37–47 (2006)

University of Rhode Island

DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20061001-06 PMID: 17048755

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Abstract

Knowledge about health promotion behaviors and their determinants in older individuals is scant. Even less is known about persons in long-term marriages, although a growing interdependence in health decision-making has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of health promotion activities in older adults who were in long-term marriages. Pender's Health Promotion Model and a proposed re-conceptualization of Pender's interpersonal influences were used to guide selection of study variables. Perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy, two behavior-specific cognitions, and relationship quality and social support, proposed interpersonal influences, were hypothesized to predict participation in health promotion behaviors. A convenience sample of 80 individuals in long-term marriages was recruited. Regression analysis identified four predictor variables as explaining 31% of the participation in health promotion behaviors: relationship quality, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and social support. Implications for nursing practice and for further research are discussed.

Topics

Health and Wellbeing Research 1.00 Health disparities and outcomes 0.99 Health, psychology, and well-being 0.98

Field: Health Professions · Subfield: General Health Professions

Keywords

Conceptualization,Psychology,Health promotion,Interpersonal communication,Social support,Promotion (chess),Interpersonal relationship,Gerontology,Social psychology,Medicine