Perceived Social Support and Exercise Self-Efficacy.

Social support and exercise are widely known to effect outcomes in the cardiac client. Social support has been reported as influencing motivation for health behavior, including exercise. This study explored dimensions of social support within cardiac rehabilitation and perceived impact on participation and exercise self-efficacy. Structured by a 14-item interview guide, two focus group sessions of male participants generated qualitative data. Content analysis revealed staff peers, and the physical environment and context situational influences as the most often cited sources of social support influencing program participation and exercise self-efficacy. whereas support from professionals positively influenced participation early in the program, peer support prompted participants to plan and look forward to exercising beyond program completion. Interventions perceived to promote a safe environment were also perceived as social support.