The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between interpersonal influences (i.e., social support, norms, modeling), behavior-specific cognitions (i.e., self-efficacy, perceived benefits/barriers), competing demands, and physical activity among Taiwanese adolescents. A convenience sample of 969 Taiwanese eighth graders from the Taipei School District completed a series of questionnaires to assess these constructs. The results from Structural Equation Modeling indicated that perceived self-efficacy was the most important predictor of physical activity. The data confirmed that Taiwanese adolescents who had greater interpersonal influences (i.e., norms, modeling, and social support) to perform physical activity were likely to report more daily physical activity. Interpersonal influences, when considered in total, had a weak and non-significant direct effect on physical activity but had indirect effects on physical activity through perceived benefits and perceived self-efficacy. When sources of interpersonal influence were considered separately, parental influences did not have direct effects on physical activity. In contrast, peers did have a significant direct effect on physical activity and also indirect influences on Taiwanese adolescents' physical activity through perceived self-efficacy. All variables accounted for 30% of the variance in physical activity. Results of this study have significant implications for health professionals for promoting physical activity in this population. In school and community settings, clinicians or practitioners can use the tools developed and tested in this study to assess attitudes and beliefs of Taiwanese adolescents as a basis for developing effective counseling strategies to promote physical activity in this population.
Learning Objectives: Teaching Objectives 1. During this session, faculty will discuss research regarding relationships between interpersonal influences, physical activity-related cognitions and physical activity. 2. During this session faculty will identify strategies for health professionals working with Taiwanese adolescents in promoting physical activity. After the conclusion of this session, the participant will able to: 1. Identify key determinants of physical activity among Taiwanese adolescents. 2. Develop a plan working with Taiwanese adolescents in promoting physical activity
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Exercise
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.