Running head: THE SOCI-ECOLOGICAL MODEL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The Socio-Ecological Model and Physical Activity

Nakia R. Hannon
Dr. Bibeau
November 23, 2015
The University of North Carolina Greensboro
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The Socio-Ecological Model and Physical Activity

Physical inactivity poses a health threat to Americans. However, engaging in adequate

amounts of physical activity can substantially improve the health and quality of life of

individuals (Physical Activity, n.d.). It is recommended that individuals acquire 75 to 150

minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity levels of physical activity each week. Studies indicate

that only 43.5% of individuals are considered active at the recommended level (Physical

Activity, n.d.). However, in the health appraisal completed by employees only 22% of employees

reported active at the recommended level. Being that the jobs at Overstock are sedentary, the

CEO suggests that increasing physical activity will be the best approach in improving the health

of their employees. It is essential that we examine the factors that affect the behaviors of the

company, by using the socio-ecological model (SEM). As a Health Educator, I am going to

provide this company with an analysis for understanding theories in health promotion and how

physical activity can be hindered.

At the interpersonal level, self-motivation is a relationship built between people and their

environment (Cottrell, Randall, & Girvan, 2015). This explains the behavior of individuals who

are and are not physically active in the company. Employees who view their health as a threat

may be more prone to becoming physical active than those who do not feel threatened by their

health status. Also, if an employer believes that they do not have enough time to exercise, they

may not compromise time to fit physical activity into their schedule. The Health Belief Model

(HBM) supports this assumption (Cottrell, Randall, & Girvan, 2015.)

The expression "birds of a feather flock together" is a great postulation as to how

employee's behaviors reflect physical activity. The social environment has a significant impact

on behavior and influences of others, this reflects the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The social
The Socio-Ecological Model and Physical Activity 3

environment includes relationships that individuals interact with. Social networks built on the

interpersonal levels such as family and peers may interfere or positively impact an individual's

ability to workout. Rovniak et al. (2002) found that social support has a direct impact on physical

activity participation through self-efficacy guidance, showing that higher levels of social support

lead to higher levels of self-efficacy. Observational learning from physically active employees

may have a domino effect on physically inactive employees, inspiring them to become active.

At the organizational level, factors such as rules and regulations can impact physical

inactivity in the workplace (Cottrell, Randall, & Girvan, 2015). The workplace is a "built

environment" which may not be considered conducive for physical activity. The following

questions should be considered to aid in making the environment more conducive: Is the campus

big enough for walkability? Are there bike racks accessible for bikers? Are there sidewalks or

trails present in close proximity to the worksite? Are workstations spacious enough for stretching

and movement? Many people spend the majority of their day at work, if the workplace is not

beneficial for physical activity the chances of these improvements may fail. For example, at

Overstock an employee's job description may impact their ability to be active. If all employees at

their workstation are limited to sitting at their desk, their ability to be active is restricted.

Employees may obtain more physical activity with job descriptions such as shipping and

receiving, because they are constantly moving.

According to Healthy People 2020, legislative policies that improve access to facilities

positively affects physical activity. Environmental and policy approaches may be useful in

attempts to modify lifestyle and behavior because it focuses on benefiting everyone in the

environment as a whole and not individually (Brownson et al., 2001). By providing employees

with fitness resources, chances of improvement may increase.

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Review of the social-ecological model reflects the importance of promotion rather than

education. The Precede-Proceed model can be used in developing a health promotion programs

geared towards increasing physical activity in the workplace. The program will be designed

encouraging employees to increase physical activity by using incentives for motivation.

Overstock employees will also be provided with a Fitbit to keep track of their physical activity,

such as the number of steps taken each daily. According to MegsFitness, stair climbing burns

seven times more calories than standing in the elevator (Benefits of a Healthy Workplace, 2012).

Employees will be encouraged to stand up every 10 minutes. Research shows, that "simply

standing up, about 35 times a day or so, will counteract the cardiovascular health risks associated

with uninterrupted sitting (Mercola, 2013). Positive reinforcement will be used by offering

intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to employees who meet or bypass weekly goals.

Avoiding networks in the workplace that encourage bad behavior is another best practice

for promotion. For example, employers should avoid marketing vending machines in convenient

locations. Instead, they should substitute snack machines with healthier options such as fresh

fruits and vegetables. By placing vending machines on further ends of the building, employees

will be forced to walk a longer distance to purchase junk foods. Furthermore, increasing

workgroup relationships that support each other can encourage activities such as employees

walking or biking to work together.

In conclusion, Healthy behaviors are thought to be maximized when environments and

policies support healthful choices, and individuals are motivated to make those choices (Ottawa

Charter for Health Promotion, 1986). Implementing these changes in the work environment can

make the most of an employees ability to adopt a physical lifestyle at work.

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References

"Benefits of a Healthy Workplace." MegsFitness. 15 Mar. 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

<https://megsfitness.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/benefits-of-a-healthy-workplace/>.

Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Housemann, R. A., Brennan, L. K., & Bacak, S. J. (2001).

Environmental and Policy Determinants of Physical Activity in the United

States. American Journal of Public Health, 91(12), 19952003.

Cottrell, Randall R., and James T. Girvan. Principles and Foundations of Health Promotion and

Education. Sixth ed. 2015. Print.

"How to Stay Active in the Office | Working Tips." Mercola.com. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

<http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/07/12/staying-active.aspx>

Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Ottawa: Canadian Public Health Association, 1986

"Physical Activity." Physical Activity. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

<http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/physical-activity>.

Rovniak, L.S., Anderson, E.S., Winett, R.A., & Stephens, R.S. (2002). Social Determinants of

Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Prospective Structural Equation Analysis. Annals

of Behavioral Medicine, 24(2), 149-156.