A Qualitative Examination of a Mothers' Swim Program: What Keeps Them Coming Back and How Does it Improve Their Psychological Wellbeing?

Parker, John K, Huntsman, Angel and Lovell, Geoff P (2018) A Qualitative Examination of a Mothers' Swim Program: What Keeps Them Coming Back and How Does it Improve Their Psychological Wellbeing? International Journal of Women's Health and Wellness, 4 (1). pp. 1-8. doi:10.23937/2474-1353/1510066

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Abstract

Introduction Exercise is widely accepted as an effective activity for alleviating the impact of psychosocial challenges associated with motherhood. However our current understanding of how to help mothers adhere to exercise and how it affects positive psychosocial outcomes is lacking. Objective To examine what aspects of a mother-focused swimming exercise program that participating mothers considered most influential in supporting their continuing exercise adherence as well as positively influencing their psychological wellbeing. Methods Qualitative thematic content analysis was performed on individual interview data from mothers, with a child of five years of age or younger, who regularly participated (three or more times a fortnight for six weeks or more) in the organized group based swim programs specifically for mothers (N = 19). Results Mothers' perceptions of the factors supporting their adherence to the swim program were inherently intertwined with factors they considered positively influenced their mental health. Mothers' experiences of the swim program highlighted three higher order themes associated with supporting continued participation and positive psychological outcomes: Environmental factors; social support factors; and health promoting factors. Conclusion Environmental, social support, and health promoting factors are important factors in affecting the efficacy of mothers' exercise programs to enhance participation and wellbeing.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2018 ClinMed International Library
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mothers; Exercise; Wellbeing; Adherence; Intervention
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine > RA773 Personal health and hygiene including clothing, bathing, exercise, travel, nutrition, sleep, sex hygiene
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Susan Turner
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2018 16:21
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:08
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/5742

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