Physical Activity and Social Cognitive Theory: A Test in a Population Sample of Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of the study was to test the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT; Bandura, 2004 ) for explaining physical activity (PA) in a large population sample of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Study objectives: (1) test the fit of the SCT structure in the total sample, and the diabetes sub-types; (2) determine the SCT structural invariance between the type 1 and type 2 groups; and (3) report explained variance and compare strength of association for the SCT constructs in predicting PA for both type 1 and type 2 groups. In all, 2,311 individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were assessed on their self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, impediments, social support, goals, and physical activity at baseline and 1,717 (74.5%) completed these assessments again at 6 months. Multi-group Structural Equation Modeling was conducted. The findings provide evidence for the utility of the SCT in the diabetes samples. The SCT fits individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes except for SCT impediments, which appear to be obstructing goal-setting in individuals with type 2 diabetes only. Promotion of health behavior should target self-efficacy to set goals and change behavior. Outcome expectancies and social support are also important factors for setting goals and behavior performance.     

The Contribution of Group Supervision Processes to the Formation of Professional Identity among Novice Psychotherapists

ABSTRACT

Group supervision is a commonly employed method in graduate psychology training. The present study examines the role of group processes in the formation of professional identity among 129 Israeli graduate students following the conclusion of their supervision process. The following three identity statuses were identified: achievement, diffusion, and moratorium. Working alliance and group engagement were significantly higher for achievement students and differentiated between achievement and moratorium students. Cohesion was significantly lower for moratorium students than for students at each of the other two identity statuses. All differences were maintained when controlling for anxiety. Finally, working alliance was found to be the dominant process in predicting committed professional identity status. The findings stress the links between group processes in group supervision and a committed professional identity.