Adolescent gender and ethnicity differences in physical activity perceptions and behavior

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2010

Publication Title

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Volume

7

Issue

6

First page number:

770

Last page number:

775

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To examine gender and ethnicity differences in adolescents' physical activity (PA) behavior and perceptions.

METHODS:

Surveys designed to measure PA behavior and perception were completed by 175 adolescents. Gender and ethnicity differences in PA behavior were examined using chi-square tests. A two-way between groups MANOVA was used to examine perception.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found between gender groups for PA. Caucasian students were more likely to be active and to perceive that PA makes their health better. Hispanics were more likely to perceive that PA requires more time than Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings suggest greater consideration be given to the ethnic orientation of PA behavior antecedents when promoting PA to adolescents.

Keywords

Adolescent; European Continental Ancestry Group; Exercise; Exercise--Psychological aspects; Exercise/Psychology; Female; Health behavior; Health Behavior/Ethnology; Hispanic Americans; Human ecology; Humans; Male; Men; Sex differences; Sex Factors; Social ecology; Social Environment; Teenagers; Women

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Gender and Sexuality | Medicine and Health | Race and Ethnicity

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.


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