Girls and young women's participation in physical activity: psychological and social influences

Abstract

The importance of increasing young women's level of physical activity is recognized as a priority within the United Kingdom and other Westernized nations. This study, conducted in two distinct geographical locations in the United Kingdom, explores the leading influences upon levels of physical activity participation among 75 young women aged 15-19. Through in-depth interviews, this study explores the influence of psychological and social influences, by examining contrasting accounts from those young women who 'always' and 'never' participate in sport or physical activity. The main differences lie with the always participates, relative to the never participates, reporting more positive images of 'sport', positive perceptions of their own ability, low self-consciousness, firm motivations and personal choice to engage in activities and the supporting influence of their friends and family. The study also notes the detrimental impact of life transitions such as moving from college to full-time employment. Further case study analyses reveal the friendship group as the primary influence over all other factors considered. The research concludes by summarizing the influences on physical activity participation that are pertinent to this age group, highlights theoretical implications, suggests possible intervention strategies and reports areas of further investigation that are required.

Psychosocial Motivators for Obstacle Course Racing: A Qualitative Case Study

“…These results support past literature (Coleman et al, 2008;DiLorenzo et al, 1998;Treiber, Baranowski, Braden, Strong, Levy, Knox;1991) involving influence of physical activity among adults. For example, Treiber et al, (1991), found that physical activity was positively related to family and friend's support for exercise among young adults.…”

“…Research shows that social influences play a role when deciding whether to participate in an activity (Coleman, Cox & Roker, 2008). For example, a United Kingdom study explored the leading influences of 15-19 year old women's psychological and social influences in physical activity.…”

“…For example, a United Kingdom study explored the leading influences of 15-19 year old women's psychological and social influences in physical activity. The researchers found that family and friends were both significant influences but the influence of friends were particularly stronger (Coleman et al, 2008). One young woman mentioned that being involved in sports became more of a social activity rather than a sporting activity when her friends were involved.…”

To pay or not to pay? Do extrinsic incentives alter the Köhler group motivation gain?

“…These include social support from health professionals, family, and friends (Coleman, Cox, & Roker, 2008;Zakarian, Hovell, Hofstetter, Sallis, & Keating, 1994), social modeling of physical activity (Feltz & Riessinger, 1990;Fox, Rejeski, & Gauvin, 2000), having fellow exercise participants (Carron, Hausenblas, & Mack, 1996), and group exercise programs (Dishman & Buckworth, 1996). A novel but promising approach is to exploit social psychological processes that have been shown to enhance motivation in task performing groups (e.g., for overviews, see Baron & Kerr, 2003;Karau & Williams, 1993).…”

Family structure, time constraints, and sport participation

“…They participate more in sports when their parents and siblings also participate [26,27], whereupon the influence of a mother's sport activity is higher than the activity of the father on boys and girls. Family member's sport activity is similar to one another's in terms of health status and health behaviors [28].…”