Date of Award

Summer 7-27-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physical Education

First Advisor

Dr. Scott Lyons

Second Advisor

Dr. Lee Renfroe

Third Advisor

Dr. Lauren Kollen/ Dr. Chanho Kang

Abstract

Exploring Perceptions of Exercise Self-Efficacy and Physical Wellness in a Worksite Wellness Program

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs are increasingly adopted to address insufficient exercise participation and other health-related behaviors that put employees at risk of chronic disease. Although quantitative outcomes are well-documented, there is limited research exploring how employees perceive these programs' impact on personal behavior change, particularly in relation to exercise self-efficacy. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and the Exercise is Medicine initiative, this study qualitatively investigates employee perceptions of a worksite wellness program’s influence on physical wellness and confidence to exercise. A phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews with 12 participants was used, and data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from these interviews: (1) social support and accountability foster participation; (2) health awareness increases through education and screening; (3) exercise self-efficacy develops via encouragement and mastery experiences; (4) wellness extends beyond exercise; (5) accessibility promotes engagement; and (6) persistent barriers, including time and competing demands, limit participation. Participants frequently described increased confidence in their ability to engage in exercise, supported by both social and behavioral factors. Worksite wellness programs influence physical wellness and exercise self-efficacy through interconnected social, psychological, and environmental mechanisms. Emphasizing social support, accessibility, and opportunities for mastery may enhance engagement and support sustained behavior change.

Exploring the Factor Structure of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale in a Worksite Wellness Program

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs aim to improve employee health, reduce chronic disease risk, and promote sustainable health behavior change through multiple health promotion strategies. Physical activity is a central component of many workplace wellness programs, and participation is often influenced by an individual's confidence in their ability to exercise. Accurate assessment of exercise self-efficacy is therefore essential for evaluating these interventions. The Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), a self-report measure of confidence in exercising despite common barriers, has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in clinical populations but has not been widely examined in workplace settings. This study evaluated the factor structure and reliability of the ESES among employees participating in a worksite wellness program (N = 53). Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with Promax rotation was conducted. Sampling adequacy was assessed using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test of sphericity, and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Results indicated that the data were suitable for factor analysis (KMO = .802; p < .001). Although initial eigenvalues suggested a two-factor solution, scree plot inspection supported a dominant one-factor structure accounting for 51.20% of the variance. The scale demonstrated excellent reliability (α = .903). These findings support the ESES as a reliable measure of exercise self-efficacy that practitioners can use to identify employees needing additional support and evaluate workplace physical activity interventions.

Comments

PhD in Exercise Science and Health Promotion

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