Scheduled for Pedagogy and Sociocultural Posters, Friday, April 2, 2004, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Session


A Structural Model Approach to Gender Differences in Physical Activity Engagement

Kay Daigle, Southeastern Louisiana Univers, Ponchatoula, LA

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships among gender, perceptions of peer, parent, and teacher support, perceived value and meaningfulness, perceived competence, and the intention to be physically active using a structural modeling approach. Female and male students (N=801) enrolled in a traditional multi-activity physical education class responded to a 52-item questionnaire addressing the constructs in the model. Structural equation modeling, using LISREL, was used to identify the relationships among the constructs. Gender differences emerged in this model through direct paths as well as indirect paths among these variables. Indirect effects of gender on value and meaningfulness, gender appropriateness, perceived competence, as well as engagement in physical education indicate that these variables influence girls’ intention to participate more so than boys’. Overall, the model supports previous studies that have explored these variables independently. It also offers support for the importance that physical education plays in teaching children to reject physical inactivity and adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Keyword(s): gender issues, physical activity

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