We examined a model of coping effectiveness based on Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress and coping theory and Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory. Female athletes (n= 178) aged 16 to 28 were studied over two rounds of a sport event. Path analysis (LISREL VI) revealed that higher levels of self‐efficacy and control appraisals were associated with better performance. As expected, performance and performance satisfaction in Round 1 influenced appraisals and coping during the second performance. In addition, control appraisal was associated with disengagement coping, and both engagement and disengagement coping were related to performance and performance satisfaction. Self‐efficacy mediated the performance/control relationship for Round 1, but not the performance satisfaction relationship.

The findings of this study suggest that athletes' degree of athletic identity may be a risk factor for the emergence of psychiatric distress in the months following their retirement from sport. Identity-focused screening or intervention during athletes' sport careers could potentially mitigate some of the psychological difficulties associated with sport retirement.

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In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the The University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the Head of my Department or by his or her representatives. It is understood that copying or publication of this thesis for financial gain..shall not be allowed without my written permission.

Using a qualitative design, the purpose of this study was to examine how people describe their relationship with their dog and what they do that suggest this bond represents a meaningful relationship. Dog owners (N = 27) aged 19 years and older were invited to participate in one of seven focus group discussions. A qualitative content analysis revealed the presence of three themes: (a) the impact of dogs on interpersonal relationships, (b) dogs as subjective beings, and (c) psychological and health benefits of dogs. The second theme reflects the personal agency of dogs and their unique contributions to the human-dog relationship. These themes are discussed in light of the current research in the field. The findings suggest implications for counseling research and practice in improving the health and well-being of dog owners.

The present study describes the results of a 14-month follow-up evaluation of 39 stressed working women randomly assigned to aerobic exercise (i.e., jogging) or progressive relaxation interventions. At this follow-up, both intervention groups reported significantly less anxiety and greater self-efficacy. In addition, subjects tended to increase their use of problem-focused coping as compared to emotion-focused coping, and 64% of them were still regularly using some structured form of relaxation or exercise. The proportion of subjects reaching clinically significant improvements was 24% at the end of treatment and 36% at the 14-month follow-up.

This study assessed the efficacy of counseling sessions compared to a waitlist group on initiation of a physically active lifestyle. Sedentary women were randomly assigned to 1-hour counseling interviews or to a waitlist control. Subjects were administered the Exercise Locus of Control scales (McCready, 1984), the Revised Children's Attitude Toward Physical Activity inventory (Schutz, Smoll, & Wood, 1981a), a 7-day exercise history, activity satisfaction scales, and goal success scales. One month later they were assessed on level of exercise satisfaction, goal success, and 7-day exercise history. Repeated measures, multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the interviews helped initiate an active lifestyle compared to the waitlist group. Results of a stepwise multiple regression revealed mat the best predictors of exercise • initiation differed according to group membership. In general, waitlist subjects who depended less on powerful others for reinforcement and who did not view exercise as a means of risk taking and hard training were more likely to increase their physical activity. This regression was only a weak predictor of exercise initiation, however, as it explained just a small amount of variance.

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