Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1996
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Abstract
An exercise dropout is defined as an individual who discontinues exercise routines or structured programs. An exercise adherer is an individual who has participated in an exercise program for more than six months. Within the first six months of a new exercise program 50 percent of the population will drop-out. This study was designed to compare factors reported as associated with dropout and adherence. Sixty-seven individuals were chosen randomly from a group of dropouts of The wellness Center at South Dakota State University (SDSU) from 1992 through 1995. Sixty-seven SDSU Wellness Members were chosen as the adherers. These subjects were contacted by telephone and asked 41 questions pertaining to personal, social, and environmental factors associated with dropout and adherence. Responses that reflected exercise habits and value of the membership cost were found significant. Adherers ranked higher in exercise habits and ranked the value of the membership higher than the dropouts. Health responsibility, interpersonal support, selfactualization, staff, facility, and programs were not significantly different between the two groups. The results from this study will enable The Wellness Center Coordinator to develop strategies to increase adherence among members and decrease dropout.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Exercise -- South Dakota -- Psychological aspects Health behavior Dropout behavior, Prediction of
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
58
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Rees, Keely S., "Factors of Dropout and Adherence Among SDSU Wellness Center Members from 1992 Through 1995" (1996). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 551.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/551