S. Biddle et M. Goudas, ANALYSIS OF CHILDRENS PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ADULT ENCOURAGEMENT AND SOCIAL COGNITIVE VARIABLES, Journal of school health, 66(2), 1996, pp. 75-78
Little is known about possible determinants of children's participatio
n in physical activity. In particular, the role of adults has not been
clearly identified This study investigated contemporary social cognit
ive variables, in combination with likely adult influence factors, in
predicting intended and self-reported vigorous physical activity for y
oung adolescents. A questionnaire was administered to 147 boys and gir
ls ages 13-14. Questions assessed physical activity levels, including
vigorous activity, intention to take part in sports or vigorous physic
al activity, social cognitive variables, and adult encouragement of ph
ysical activity. A structural equation modeling analysis showed a good
fit for a model in which vigorous physical activity was predicted by
direct paths from adult encouragement and intention, with adult encour
agement also predicting vigorous activity indirectly through perceived
competence. Intention itself was predicted by adult encouragement and
a task achievement goal orientation.