Background/Purpose
Physical activity (PA) declines during adolescence. A better understanding of psychosocial influences may help youth advocates to reverse this downward trend. The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions young adolescents have about their parents' and peers' PA beliefs and behaviors and the influence these factors have on their own beliefs about and participation in PA.
Method
A total of 355 5th and 6th grade students (54% males, Mage=11.8 yrs) completed a questionnaire that included modified versions of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), Sport Friendship Quality Scale, and Social Support and Exercise Survey.
Analysis/Results
Participants' enjoyment and beliefs about PA importance and fitness competence were significantly related to their perceptions of parental and peer ratings of enjoyment and importance (r = 0.28 to 0.64, all p<.05) and their fitness competence (r = 0.70 to 0.74, all p<.05). Separate linear regression analyses of PA by parental and peer support were conducted. When PAQ-C scores were used as the criterion measure, regression models were significant for parents, F(6,146) = 3.16, p < .01, and best friend, F(3,200) = 12.25, p < .001, accounting for 15.5% and 11.5% of the variance, respectively. Fathers' perceptions of participants' competence and best friend's enjoyment of PA were the only significant predictors in the model. Quality of parental or peer relationship did not act as a moderator.
Conclusions
Results suggest that perceptions matter. Perceptions held by adolescents about their parents' and peers' beliefs and PA participation may influence their own beliefs and behaviors.