Abstract
PURPOSE
To determine the defining characteristics of the wellness diagnosis potential for enhanced exercise among college students; to determine the perceptions of college students regarding the barriers, benefits, and motivation for exercise enhancement.
METHODS
The study targeted students, 18 to 25 years of age, attending a small midwestern university. To assess the students' potential for enhanced exercise, a new survey instrument was developed. Nonprobability sampling was used. During pilot testing, 31 students consented to be surveyed as they entered the university fitness center. Pilot data were used to develop a more comprehensive instrument. In the second phase, 50 students consented to participate as they entered the fitness center.
FINDINGS
Response rates of 57% and 61% were achieved. When asked, “What motivation did you have to enhance your exercising,” students' most frequent responses were to improve self-concept, physical health, and athletic performance. When asked, “What benefits have you received from enhanced exercising,” students' most frequent responses were improved self-concept, increased energy, and increased strength.
DISCUSSION
When the nurse selects a wellness diagnosis, the individual or group must have been managing effectively and express a desire for a higher level of wellness. Each participant in the pilot study reported enhancing his/her exercising in the preceding 3 months, and each participant stated his/her motivating factors. These motivating factors were translated into the following defining characteristics: expressed or observed desire to improve self-concept, expressed or observed desire to improve physical health, expressed or observed desire to improve athletic performance.
CONCLUSIONS
Future studies (with different groups) are indicated in developing this nursing diagnosis. Research in wellness diagnoses and health promotion are needed to better describe the interactive relationship of the nurse and the client.
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