Environmental Resources and School Sports Participation in Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Graham Dan J, Schneider Margaret, Dickerson Sally S
Primary Institution: University of California, Irvine
Hypothesis
Does access to environmental resources moderate the relationship between social support and physical activity among adolescents?
Conclusion
Interventions to promote physical activity should enhance both social and environmental resources, as targeting either one alone may be insufficient.
Supporting Evidence
- Adolescents with high social support and environmental resources participated in more school sports.
- Environmental access did not directly predict physical activity but moderated the relationship between social support and sports participation.
- Participants were recruited from two public high schools in Southern California.
Takeaway
If kids have friends and good places to play, they are more likely to join sports at school. But if they don't have good places to play, friends alone won't help.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design with 192 adolescents, assessing physical activity through questionnaires and accelerometers, and environmental resources via GIS mapping.
Potential Biases
Parental reports of physical activity may not accurately reflect actual behaviors.
Limitations
The sample may not be representative of all adolescents due to higher median income and racial composition compared to national averages.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 14.79 years, 55% male, predominantly White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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