Instrumental support

Definition

Instrumental support refers to the tangible assistance and practical help provided to an individual, enabling them to engage in or maintain a specific behavior, such as exercise. This type of support often includes providing resources, encouragement, or help with logistics, all aimed at fostering adherence to exercise routines. By offering concrete help, instrumental support plays a vital role in helping individuals overcome barriers and stay committed to their fitness goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Instrumental support can take many forms, such as providing transportation to a gym or helping someone with workout plans and schedules.
2. Research shows that individuals who receive instrumental support are more likely to stick with their exercise routines compared to those who do not receive this type of assistance.
3. Family and friends who actively participate in exercising together provide instrumental support that can strengthen relationships and increase motivation.
4. Offering instrumental support can also benefit the provider, as it may enhance their own commitment to exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle.
5. Barriers such as lack of time, knowledge, or access to resources can be overcome more easily with the right instrumental support.

Review Questions

• How does instrumental support directly impact an individual's ability to adhere to an exercise program?
  • Instrumental support plays a crucial role in an individual's ability to adhere to an exercise program by addressing practical barriers that may hinder their participation. When someone provides tangible assistance, like transportation to the gym or help with scheduling workouts, it reduces the effort required by the individual. This makes it easier for them to engage in regular exercise, ultimately leading to greater adherence and long-term commitment.
• Discuss the relationship between instrumental support and other forms of social support in promoting exercise adherence.
  • Instrumental support is closely linked to other forms of social support, such as emotional and informational support. While instrumental support provides practical help like transportation or workout planning, emotional support offers encouragement and motivation. Together, these types of social support create a more comprehensive network that enhances overall exercise adherence. Individuals are more likely to stay committed when they receive both tangible assistance and emotional reassurance from their social circles.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implementing strategies that focus on increasing instrumental support within community fitness programs.
  • Implementing strategies that increase instrumental support within community fitness programs can significantly enhance their effectiveness by addressing specific barriers faced by participants. For instance, providing group transportation or setting up accountability partnerships can remove obstacles that prevent people from exercising regularly. By evaluating these strategies through participant feedback and adherence rates, communities can adapt their programs to better meet the needs of individuals. Ultimately, focusing on instrumental support not only boosts participation but also fosters a supportive environment conducive to long-term health behavior changes.

Related terms

emotional support: Emotional support involves providing empathy, care, and reassurance to individuals, helping them cope with challenges and feel valued during their exercise journey.

social support: Social support encompasses various forms of assistance received from friends, family, or peers, which can motivate and enhance an individual's commitment to exercise.

exercise adherence: Exercise adherence is the ability of individuals to maintain a consistent exercise routine over time, often influenced by various factors, including social and instrumental support.