Changes in coping, autonomous motivation, and beliefs about exercise among women in early recovery from alcohol participating in a lifestyle physical activity intervention

Abstract

Women are particularly likely to drink alcohol for the purpose of coping with or alleviating negative affect. Engaging in physical activity has been posited as a potentially effective alternate coping strategy during early recovery for managing mood and cravings. Utilizing exercise to cope may be associated with more adaptive coping strategies in general. Additionally, an intrinsic (autonomous) motivational style and positive beliefs about exercise are associated with long-term adherence to physical activity. The current study evaluates changes in coping strategies, autonomous motivation, and beliefs about exercise among women engaged in a physical activity intervention during early recovery (N = 20; mean age = 39.53). General coping strategies, motivational style, and beliefs about exercise were examined before and after engaging in the 12-week intervention which aimed to help women utilize physical activity as a means to cope with negative affect and alcohol craving. We found that, by the end of the intervention, participants significantly increased utilization of adaptive coping strategies such as the use of emotional support from others. Additionally, participants increased autonomous motivation over time. There were no significant changes in beliefs about exercise. Changes in beliefs about benefits of exercise, autonomous motivation, and adaptive coping were related to use of exercise to cope. However, even though these changes were associated with how women in the intervention used exercise, they were not associated with exercising more. Results from this open pilot suggest that women in early recovery from alcohol who increase physical activity – specifically as a means to cope with negative affect and craving – also demonstrate other wider coping strategies, more positive beliefs, and autonomous motivation.