Abstract:
This study examines whether positive psychosocial variables can predict health promoting behaviors in adults with cardiovascular disease, with the goal of enhancing the impact
of interventions with this population. Specifically, this study includes four positive psychosocial
variables: optimism, positive affect, perceived social support and purpose in life; and how they
associate with stages of behavior change for three important health behaviors: smoking, exercise,
and diet. The sample consisted of 300 adults, age 30 and above, with a self-reported history of
cardiovascular disease, who completed a survey. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) was
used to analyze the data. Results indicated that the Transtheoretical Model’s stages of change
were an effective model for representing health behavior change in this population. Perceived
social support and positive affect were the strongest psychosocial predictors of stage of change,
of smoking cessation and exercise, respectively. Age and gender also had significant predictive
power, as well as education level, although its impact was less clear. Optimism and purpose in
life also made minor contributions to predicting behavior change. These findings contribute to
an evidence base that can serve to inform effective interventions by utilizing positive
psychosocial variables to improve health behaviors for those with cardiovascular disease
