Self-Silencing as a Predictor of Physical Activity Behavior

Abstract

Self-silencing theory suggests that women ignore their own feelings and needs to attend to the desires of others. However, the impact of such self-silencing on physical activity behavior is unknown. This study examined the degree of self-silencing among a group of highly educated and relatively affluent African American women and the strength of self-silencing as a predictor of physical activity. The mean total self-silencing score for participants was 71.46. Overall, women reported spending approximately 193 min per week engaged in physical activity but only 36% met current recommendations for aerobic physical activity. Self-silencing did not predict physical activity behavior.