Physical Activity is a leading health indicator of Healthy People 2010, including aims to increase regular participation in physical activity. Though materialistic values orientation (MVO) has been correlated with life satisfaction, no previous studies have investigated whether such values impact participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential relationships between MVO, life satisfaction, and physical activity.
Methods:
The study's approach was theoretically based on the use of the social norms construct of the Integrated Behavioral Model. The study design was cross-sectional in nature, used an online questionnaire, and was conducted with students of a large southeastern university (n=401). Participants were 73% female, 79.6% white, 16.2% African American and 94.7% undergraduate. MVO, life satisfaction, and physical activity were measured utilizing the Aspiration Index, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire respectively.
Analysis/Results:
Bivariate analysis revealed life satisfaction was negatively associated with materialistic values (p<.01) and sedentary behavior (p=.024). MVO was significantly associated with total physical activity as METminutes (p<.001) of activity and the physical activity domains of vigorous work (p=.004), and vigorous (p=.007) and moderate recreation (p=.005). Six of seven MVO subscales indicated significant relationships (p<.017) with total METminutes activity. MVO was also negatively associated with sedentary behavior (p<.001).
Conclusions:
Results demonstrate that students who prioritize relatedness to others tend to be less active and more sedentary, whereas students who value financial success and social recognition were more likely to be active and less sedentary. Practical implications of the study suggest physical activity has become more strongly tied to issues of social image, such as physical appearance, popularity, and weight loss, rather than health outcomes. Study findings also indicate there is sufficient evidence for further analysis and exploration of MVO as it relates to physical activity. Additionally, these findings indicate the potential for a new social demographic to consider when planning health education interventions.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Define materialistic values orientation, and identify several components therein.
2. Identify measurement domains of physical activity.
3. Define moderate versus vigorous physical activity with the use of MET values.
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