%0 Journal Article %T Is a general or specific exercise recommendation more effective for promoting physical activity among postpartum mothers? %A Emily L Mailey %A Wei-Wen Hsu %J Journal of Health Psychology %@ 1461-7277 %D 2019 %R 10.1177/1359105316687627 %X This comparative effectiveness trial examined the effects of a behavior change intervention supplemented by a general or specific exercise recommendation on physical activity among postpartum mothers. Participants (N£¿=£¿49) attended three workshop sessions that provided the exercise recommendation and taught self-regulatory skills. Physical activity, self-efficacy, planning, and barriers were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Self-reported physical activity increased significantly in both groups (p£¿<£¿.001), but the increase was larger in the general condition (p£¿=£¿.03). Both groups reported increased planning and decreased barriers. Postpartum mothers may benefit from interventions that teach strategies for overcoming barriers while allowing them to choose preferred activities %K exercise behavior %K intervention %K physical activity %K postpartum %K self-efficacy %U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359105316687627