Perceived mood and exercise behaviors of cardiac rehabilitation program referrals.

The objective of this study was to examine how 65 clients referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program perceived their current mood, severity of illness, exercise behaviors, and hence, quality of life. The theoretical perspective for this study was derived from King's (1981) theory of goal attainment. The individual's perceptions are a fundamental element of goal attainment. A telephone survey was developed to gather data on demographics, exercise intensity and participation, severity of illness at time of hospital discharge and time of interview as well as responses to a mood adjective check list (Lubin, 1981). Analysis indicated that exercise was a valued behavior for the majority of subjects. All subjects perceived that the severity of their heart condition had changed from more to less severe. Furthermore, those who exercised felt healthy and merry, while those who did not exercise felt miserable.