Date of Award
Spring 1990
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Shaw, Christine R.
Second Advisor
Wake, Madeline
Third Advisor
Frenn, Marilyn
Abstract
Hypertension is a significant health problem affecting approximately 60 million individuals in the United States alone (McEntee & Peddicord, 1987). Modification of unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles that contribute to the development of hypertension is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease. Confronting the challenges of these lifestyle changes may require utilizing interpersonal characteristics of self esteem and self motivation to serve as a foundation for change. The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists in the level of self motivation and self esteem between individuals with controlled versus uncontrolled hypertension. An additional purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between self motivation and self esteem among a group of hypertensive individuals. The sample (n=61) consisted of individuals previously diagnosed with hypertension from a midwestern, white, middle-class suburban, medical clinic. Self esteem was measured using Coopersmith's (1981) Self Esteem Inventory (SEI) and self motivation was measured using the Self Motivation Inventory (SMI) (Dishman, 1981). An open ended questionaire [sic] also was developed to elicit lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, weight, and stress since being diagnosed with hypertension. A significant relationship was found between self esteem and self motivation (r=.32, p=.006) among the subjects. Scores on the SMI and SEI were not found to be significantly different between controlled and uncontrolled hypertensives. Major behavior changes included increased exercise, decreased salt intake, weight loss, and changing attitudes toward stressful life events. Differences in exercise, weight, and response to stress were found to exist between the groups. Continued research is needed to identify the effects of self esteem and self motivation on personal health.
Recommended Citation
Todd, Gail, "The Relationship of Self Esteem and Self Motivation To Hypertensive Control" (1990). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3719.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3719