The purpose of this research was to explore the relationships among factors that have been suggestive of empowering individuals to participate in healthy lifestyles. The following research question was proposed. "What are the relationships between (a) self-coherence, (b) self-efficacy, (c) commitment, and (d) hope, to the level of health practices in adults?" The goal of this investigation was to test the proposed relationships among the study variables in an effort to more fully understand health enhancing lifestyles and test a model incorporating these factors, with the ultimate goal of designing nursing interventions that will enhance individuals' participation in positive health practices.

A sample of 234 employed men and women, ages 19 to 68, representing skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workers were recruited from 3 sites in the greater New England area. Study participants completed live questionnaires: (a) the Self-Coherence Survey; (b) the Personal Lifestyle Survey; (c) the Hope Scale; (d) the Self-Efficacy Scale; and (e) the Commitment Sub-scale of the Health-Related Hardiness Scale. It was hypothesized that measures of self-coherence, self-efficacy, commitment and hope reflected personality styles that empower individuals to participate in healthier life styles. After data collection, the variables were placed in a causal model inductively derived from clinical experience and related research literature. Path analysis and multiple regression procedures were used to test the proposed model.

The major findings of the study were consistent with the theoretical model. The most important direct determinants of health lifestyle were self-coherence and commitment with indirect effects from hope and general self-efficacy. Further explication of these variables and their interrelationships will guide future research and the development of interventions that will empower individuals to participate in practices that reduce health risks.