Frameworks for Change: Comparing Social Cognitive Theory and the Socio-Ecological Model in Increasing Participation in Physical Activity Programs for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Underserved Populations.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. James Thomas
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Department
Community Health Behavior and Education
Abstract
Background:
The impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on underserved communities in the U.S. is profound. These communities consistently experience barriers to accessing essential services, especially healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and social support. Physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity, a critical factor in preventing type 2 diabetes. Exercise increases glucose uptake by muscles, improving the body’s response to insulin. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Socioecological Model (SEM) are widely used in health behavior interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing the burden on the stressed healthcare system.
Objectives:
This review tries to evaluate how physical activity interventions based on SCT compare to those based on SEM in terms of increasing physical activity levels among minority and low-income populations at risk for type 2 diabetes, and which model is more effective in fostering empowerment and self-management skills for physical activity.
Methodology:
In this narrative review, we explored papers that focused on increasing physical activity using the SCT and SEM, and their effectiveness in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in minority and low-income populations. Relevant literature was sourced from academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, with a focus on peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025.
Results and Conclusion:
The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Socioecological Model (SEM) have emerged as cornerstone frameworks for bolstering physical activity (PA) and averting type 2 diabetes (T2D) in low-income communities, where socioeconomic barriers exacerbate health disparities. SEM addresses environmental, interpersonal, and policy influences, thereby yielding sustained increases in PA and reducing T2D progression. However, evolving multi-theory models suggest that a combination of theories in implementing public health interventions holds the prospect of achieving better health outcomes.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Ezeamii, Victor C.; Obiyano, Chekwube; Ayo-Farai, Oluwatoyin; Menefield, Ragonda; Mosley, Sarah L.; and Thomas, James, "Frameworks for Change: Comparing Social Cognitive Theory and the Socio-Ecological Model in Increasing Participation in Physical Activity Programs for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Underserved Populations." (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 65.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/65
Frameworks for Change: Comparing Social Cognitive Theory and the Socio-Ecological Model in Increasing Participation in Physical Activity Programs for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Underserved Populations.
Russell Union Ballroom
Background:
The impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on underserved communities in the U.S. is profound. These communities consistently experience barriers to accessing essential services, especially healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and social support. Physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity, a critical factor in preventing type 2 diabetes. Exercise increases glucose uptake by muscles, improving the body’s response to insulin. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Socioecological Model (SEM) are widely used in health behavior interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing the burden on the stressed healthcare system.
Objectives:
This review tries to evaluate how physical activity interventions based on SCT compare to those based on SEM in terms of increasing physical activity levels among minority and low-income populations at risk for type 2 diabetes, and which model is more effective in fostering empowerment and self-management skills for physical activity.
Methodology:
In this narrative review, we explored papers that focused on increasing physical activity using the SCT and SEM, and their effectiveness in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in minority and low-income populations. Relevant literature was sourced from academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, with a focus on peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025.
Results and Conclusion:
The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Socioecological Model (SEM) have emerged as cornerstone frameworks for bolstering physical activity (PA) and averting type 2 diabetes (T2D) in low-income communities, where socioeconomic barriers exacerbate health disparities. SEM addresses environmental, interpersonal, and policy influences, thereby yielding sustained increases in PA and reducing T2D progression. However, evolving multi-theory models suggest that a combination of theories in implementing public health interventions holds the prospect of achieving better health outcomes.
