PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Edgar Peralta
Industrial/Organizational
August 1999

Individual Differences in Conscientiousness and Work-Site Physical Activity on Exercise Adherence and Perceptions of Work Stress

    The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of individual differences in conscientiousness and work-site physical activity on exercise adherence and perceptions of work stress.  Consistent with previous research, exercise was found to be an effective method for coping with job-related stress.  Although there was no support for conscientious individuals being more likely to maintain their exercise activity, further examination of the correlation matrix showed that conscientious individuals utilized off-site locations for exercise more often than those lower in conscientiousness.  In addition, the off-site location for exercise appears to be influential in one’s ability to maintain exercise adherence.  Results indicate that the majority of participants in the study used off-site locations for exercise with greater frequency that the work-site facility.  However, strong evidence regarding the benefits of implementing a company-sponsored fitness facility still remains to be seen for the sponsoring organization.

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