The Use of a Range-Bound Changing Criterion and Self-Management and Goal-Setting to Increase Daily Step Count in African American Women

Author

Jasmine Morris, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2022

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Behavior Analysis and Therapy

First Advisor

Williams Awodeha, Natalie

Abstract

Obesity around the world, especially in the Unites States, is quickly escalating and has led to several health complications, including death. Compared to other diverse populations in the U.S., African American women reportedly have the highest calculations of obesity, and it is predicted that those numbers will not decrease any time soon. With more African Americans engaging in an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that African American women take better care of their health. The current study included two participants over the age of 19 who identify as African American women who did not have a workout regimen and walked no more than 3,000 steps a day. Participants used a mobile application and a pedometer in their iPhone to track their daily step count throughout the study. Self-management and goal-setting motivated participants to reach their goals within each phase. The average for Participant 1 in baseline was 1,884 steps and her average for intervention was 4,489 steps. These numbers indicate a 138% increase in steps in 29 days. The average for Participant 2 in baseline was 2,724 steps and her average for intervention was 4,940. These numbers indicate an 81% increase in steps in 29 days. Combined, participants’ steps from baseline to intervention increased by 309% (from 2,304 to 9,429) by the end of the study.