Background/Purpose . This study's purpose was to test the efficacy of an exercise intervention based on the Thanstheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change among a novel sample of Chinese students with hearing impairments.
Method . Students with hearing impairments (N=150) residing in China were recruited for this study and then randomized into control and experimental groups. Stage-tailored intervention materials based on TTM were delivered by leaflet every three weeks to experimental group participants. Exercise behavior, decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy, and stage of change were assessed using standardized, self-report questionnaires at baseline and at week 12.
Analysis/Results . The intervention was insufficient to increase the experimental group's self-reported exercise behavior; however, the number of experimental group participants improving their stage of readiness to change increased from pre-to-post-intervention (χ2=4.048, p< 0.05), which partially supported the effectiveness of the intervention. Two processes of change, consciousness raising (t=-3.35，p<0.001) and stimulus control (t=-6.94，p<0.001), increased significantly for the experimental group compared to the control group. The pros, cons and processes of change predicted stage of change transition from the contemplation stage to the preparation stage of change.
Conclusions . After a 12-week, minimal contact, stage-tailored intervention based on TTM, partial support was found regarding the effectiveness of the intervention for improving Chinese students with hearing impairments' stage of readiness to change. Furthermore, certain theoretically-based psychological mediators of exercise behavior improved. Unfortunately, actual exercise behavior did not. Therefore, further research regarding how to best intervene to improve those with hearing disabilities' actual exercise behavior is warranted.