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The impact of social influence on physical activity among adolescents: a longitudinal study

Author

Summary, in English

Abstract in Undetermined
Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of social support and negative social influence from various contexts on adolescents’ current and intended physical activity (C&IPA) two years later. In addition, social influence related to C&IPA at baseline (16–17 years old) is compared to follow-up (18–19 years old). Methods: Questionnaire data was obtained from 404 students at the age of 16–17 and again at the age of 18–19. Relationships among variables were examined with structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: Social influence experienced by high-school students at 16–17 years of age had a direct suppressing effect and an indirect positive effect on their C&IPA two years later. Social support for physical activity was more complex and related to positive as well as negative relations at the age of 16–17 compared to two years later. Conclusions: The results imply that social support to adolescents should be offered over a longer period of time, with increased focus on its significance as a link from an initially external regulation to a more internal regulation of physical activity as students get older. Closer examination of maintaining, pro-activating and intervening effects of social support could enhance our understanding of direct and indirect effects of social support on physical activity.

Publishing year

2013

Language

English

Pages

86-95

Publication/Series

European Journal of Sport Science

Volume

13

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Topic

  • Sport and Fitness Sciences

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • Adolescent
  • intention
  • social influence
  • social
  • support

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1536-7290