Recorded presentation

Candace Rutt, PhD, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS/K-46, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, (771) 488-6015, crutt@cdc.gov

Recent research has examined the relationship between the built environment and human health. However, few studies have included psychological and social variables which may mediate the relationship between the environment and behavior. Many studies have used aggregate data, which can lead to an ecological fallacy; this occurs when observed group relationships do not hold for individuals. For instance, the relationship between increased walking in walkable neighborhoods may occur because individuals who enjoy physical activity move to these types of neighborhoods. Studies with individual level data have typically included demographic data (i.e., income, age, sex), but have not collected data on psychological (i.e., attitudes and self-efficacy) or social factors (i.e., often seeing others walking), which may be important in determining leisure-time physical activity. Several recent studies that included psychological and social level variables concluded that these factors were more important than the built environment in influencing behavior. Unfortunately, there has been little research to date which examines how these variables influence physical activity related to transportation. Nonetheless, strong evidence suggests that the environment does influence behavior. More research is needed to determine how psychological and social factors interact with the environment so that interventions can be targeted more successfully to improve the health of communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Basic understanding of the state of the science concerning transportation, the built environment, and public health. Basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available investigative methods. Basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available data and findings.

Keywords: Behavioral Research, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Handout (.ppt format, 105.5 kb)

Handout (.ppt format, 105.5 kb)

Recorded presentation