This work is part of a retrospective collection of 179 electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) from the VCU Libraries pilot ETD system that were designated as available only to VCU users. Please contact us at if you have questions or if you are the author of one of these and would like to release it for online public access.
Non-VCU users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Micah L. McCreary
Second Advisor
Dr. Steven J. Danish
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine familial influence on adolescents' self-efficiency and intentions to commit to cancer-risk reducing behaviors (breast and testicular self-exams, reducing fat intake, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and exercising regularly). Specifically, the relationship between family commitment to cancer-risk reducing behaviors and adolescents' self-efficacy and intentions to commit to these behaviors as mediated by adolescents' perceptions of family importance of cancer-risk reducing behaviors were examined. The current study also examined whether there are ethnic differences in family commitment to cancer-risk reducing behaviors, adolescents' perceptions of family importance of cancer-risk reducing behaviors, and adolescents' self-efficacy and intentions to commit to these behaviors. Data for this study were collected as part of data collected for A Bridge to Better Health (BRIDGE) (1 R01 CA102760-01A1 - P.I. S Danish), a life skills program that was created to promote cancer-risk reduction among adolescents. Participants were 1,509 ninth grade students who were recruited from health and physical education classes from 6 high schools in Chesterfield County, VA. The results of this study provided support for perceptions of family importance of cancer-risk reducing behaviors as a mediator between family commitment to cancer-risk reducing behaviors and adolescents' self-efficacy and intentions to commit to these behaviors. The results of this study also provided support for ethnic differences in levels of family commitment to, family importance of, and self-efficacy and intentions to commit to cancer-risk reducing behaviors. Implications for future research on familial influences on adolescents' health behaviors are discussed, as well as interventions aimed to promote cancer-risk reduction among adolescents.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008
VCU Only:
Off Campus Download
Comments
Part of Retrospective ETD Collection, restricted to VCU only.