Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Behavioral Analysis

First Advisor

Sigurdur O. Sigurdsson

Second Advisor

David A. Wilder

Third Advisor

Zhiqing Zhou

Fourth Advisor

Mary Beth Kenkel

Abstract

Health care costs of preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and obesity are higher than ever, and indicate the need for behavioral interventions. Research has shown that individuals who sit for extended periods are at higher risk for these diseases. Moreover, the risks associated with sitting have been found to be independent of an individual’s physical activity. That is, longer durations of sitting per day are associated with higher levels of unwanted health risks, regardless of how often an individual exercises. There is a need to address this issue in today’s inactive workplace. Research indicates that office workers sit for more than 70% of their workday. The current study assessed how successful antecedent and consequence-based interventions are at motivating compliance with the recommendation that office workers should take a break from prolonged sitting every 30-60 min. Results revealed the information alone was not as effective as a treatment package consisting of feedback and goal setting to reduce bouts of prolonged sitting.

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