Theoretical Framework to Study Exercise Motivation for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

Purpose/Objectives: To identify an appropriate theoretical framework to study exercise motivation for breast cancer risk reduction among high-risk women.

Data Sources: An extensive review of the literature was conducted to gather relevant information pertaining to the Health Promotion Model, self-determination theory, social cognitive theory, Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical Model, theory of planned behavior, and protection motivation theory.

Data Synthesis: An iterative approach was used to summarize the literature related to exercise motivation within each theoretical framework.

Conclusions: Protection motivation theory could be used to examine the effects of perceived risk and self-efficacy in motivating women to exercise to facilitate health-related behavioral change.

Implications for Nursing: Evidence-based research within a chosen theoretical model can aid practitioners when making practical recommendations to reduce breast cancer risk.