Motivational Readiness for Change: Diet, Exercise, and Smoking    

Beth C. Bock, PhD;  
Bess H. Marcus, PhD; 
Joseph S. Rossi, PhD;  
Colleen A. Redding, PhD 

Objective: To examine the relationship between level of motivational readiness for changing exercise behavior and motivation to change dietary behavior and smoking status. Methods: Sedentary men and women (n=194) were recruited via newspaper advertisements to participate in a self-help physical activity promotion intervention. Self-report of motivational readiness for changing exercise and dietary behaviors, smoking status, and demographic variables was assessed at baseline via mailed questionnaires. Results: Readiness to adopt physical activity was positively associated with readiness to reduce dietary fat and with other healthy dietary behaviors, but was not differentially associated with readiness to quit smoking. Conclusion: Motivational readiness to change health behaviors appears to share correspondence across some, but not all health behaviors.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(4):248-258