Social Support and Physical Activity in 6th-Grade Girls
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew E. Springer, Steven H. Kelder, Deanna M. Hoelscher
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Hypothesis
How do different types and sources of social support influence physical activity and sedentary behavior among sixth-grade girls?
Conclusion
Social support from friends and family is important for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior among adolescent girls.
Supporting Evidence
- Friend participation and encouragement were positively related to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Family participation in physical activity was negatively correlated with sedentary behavior.
- Social support from friends was more influential for vigorous physical activity.
Takeaway
Having friends and family who support you can help you be more active and spend less time sitting around.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of baseline data from an osteoporosis prevention intervention study, using self-reported physical activity and psychosocial questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may introduce bias, as participants might overestimate their physical activity levels.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported measures, which may lead to overestimation of physical activity and social support correlations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily white (72%) girls aged 10 to 14 from Texas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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