Browsing by Author "Patterson, Michelle C."

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    Experiences of body image and social support in physical activity programs among older adult women
    (2019-08-01) Patterson, Michelle C.; McDonough, Meghan; Culos-Reed, Susan Nicole; Hewson, Jennifer A.
    Body image is an emerging area of research for older women as they may experience societal pressures in relation to the body while concurrently experiencing physical decline associated with aging. Social support may impact how one feels about the body in times of coping with difficulties, as well as promoting thriving when feeling positively about the body. Group physical activity programs are an opportunity to address body image through benefits of physical activity on how one views the body as well as providing access to social networks that may positively impact body image. The current study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of body image and social support in physical activity programs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 women aged 65 and older, who participated in drop in group physical activity classes at a community recreation centre. The study was guided by interpretive description and interview questions pertained to how body image was impacted by social support, and physical activity. The group physical activity context allowed women to make comparisons with others and to engage in discussions with others, that helped to feel positively about the body. Women also discussed the role of the instructor in facilitating participation in activity that allowed them to feel positively about the body. Both support in times of non-adversity and support in times of coping with body difficulties, helped to create a positive experience in physical activity and with the body.
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    A Meta-Study of Qualitative Research on Social Support Related to Physical Activity Among Older Adults
    (Human Kinetics, 2022-01-03) Beselt, L. Jayne; Patterson, Michelle C.; McDonough, Meghan H.; MacKay, Scott
    Physical activity (PA) and social support have known benefits for the wellbeing and health of older adults, and social support is associated with PA behavior and positive affective experiences in PA contexts. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research conducted on the experiences of social support related to PA among older adults (age ≥55 years). Following meta-study methodology, we searched 9 databases and extracted information from 31 studies. Results were synthesised in terms of common themes, and in light of theoretical and methodological perspectives used. The qualitative literature identifies supportive behaviors and social network outcomes which may be useful for informing how best to support older adults to be physically active. This literature rarely reflected the experiences of vulnerable populations and future research should aim to further understand supportive behaviors which enable older adults to overcome barriers and challenges to being physically active.
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    Social support and body image in group physical activity programs for older women
    (Human Kinetics, 2022-07-23) Patterson, Michelle C.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Hewson, Jennifer; Culos-Reed, S. Nicole; Bennett, Erica
    Physical declines with aging may negatively impact women’s body image. Group physical activity can be a source of social support that may improve body image. We examined how social support experienced in group physical activity programs impact older women’s body image. Guided by interpretive description, 14 women aged 65 and older who participated in group physical activity classes were interviewed. While women experienced both positive and negative body image, body image was generally positively impacted by physical activity. Four themes described social support processes that affected body image in the physical activity context: fitting in and being inspired through identifying with others; what is discussed, and not discussed; providing comfort, understanding, and acceptance; and skilled and empathetic interactions with instructors. Understanding how social support in group physical activity can promote positive body image throughout aging can inform practical guidelines for facilitating and improving support in this context.