| dc.description.abstract | Background: Despite the benefits of regular exercise, many Canadians, especially undergraduate women (UW), experienced decreased engagement throughout the pandemic, due, in part, to feelings of low social support and confidence. One promising approach to enhance participation is peer-mentorship programs (PMP): pairing knowledge-seeking individuals with experienced mentors. To date, theoretically grounded research on PMP tailored to UW remains sparse. Objective: Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this study examined the impact of a 6-week, campus-based exercise PMP on psychological outcomes and adherence among UW initiates. All participants were expected to improve all outcomes, with greater gains in the PMP group. Method: Undergraduate women from a mid-sized Canadian university wanting to increase activity were randomized to intervention or control groups. Senior students in a health discipline with exercise expertise were recruited as mentors and participated in a 2-hour, motivational interviewing focused training workshop. All participants received a standardized campus gym tour, a structured exercise guide, and were asked to exercise triweekly. Once a week, mentors exercised with their intervention participants and offered ongoing virtual support. In addition to demographic data, quantitative data were collected pre-, mid-, and post-intervention through the Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSES), Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale- Short Form (DASS-21). Exercise adherence was captured through Strava and software-supported facility attendance. To gain insights into study experiences, post-program participants completed an exit questionnaire to gain insights into their study experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way mixed factorial ANOVAs; qualitative data were inductively and deductively analyzed. Results: Eighty prospective participants were assessed for eligibility, and 33 were randomized to the two conditions. In total, 26 UW completed the intervention or at least two of the three assessments (intervention = 13; control = 13). Intervention participants were supported by one of the six program mentors. Demographic data identified that participants were an average of 24.3 years old (SD = 12.7), most (46%) were enrolled in their first year of university and were classified as having overweight (Body mass index; M = 25.5, SD = 5.6). Quantitative results found interaction effects (p < 0.05) for autonomy and competence, as supported by qualitative accounts. Both groups experienced significant improvements to external, identified, and integrated regulation, along with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Discussion: The current PMP proved to be an effective method for enhancing autonomy and competence among participants with a mentor, with additional improvements in other constructs. Taken together and in line with the literature, these results highlight the value of tailored, supportive exercise intervention for promoting UW exercise engagement. This population stands to gain from greater access to exercise opportunities, given the well-established physical and mental benefits associated with more movement. Remarkably, increases in most basic needs, regulation, and distress symptoms emerged in as little as 3 weeks: a novel finding that warrants further exploration, particularly regarding the mechanisms behind these early changes. Based on these findings, future programs should continue exploring accessibility, early engagement, and adaptable delivery methods in longer programs. Conclusion: Effective strategies to promote UW exercise habits are essential for improving quality of life and fostering lifelong habits. Strengthening campus movement culture benefits physical and mental health during this critical developmental phase. Results will be shared with key stakeholders, such as Lakehead Athletics and Student Health and Wellness to inform best practice. | en_US |
