Online Program

325690
An Analysis of the IMPACT of Social Support and Selected Demographics on Physical Activity Among Middle and High School Students


Monday, November 2, 2015

Manuella Crawley, PhD., CHES, Health and Human Performance Department, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
Literature based on ecological models confirms that overweight and obesity are a result of individual characteristics as well as, the environmental context in which an individual exists (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).  This context includes the environment at home, at school, and in the community.  Conflicting evidence exists regarding the role of social support for physical activity children and adolescents (Prochaska, Rodgers, & Sallis, 2002).  In this study the role of social support as it relates to physical activity was explored.

An online survey was administered to middle and high school students enrolled in a Northeast Ohio school.  The instrument explored subjects’ perceptions regarding their own physical activity and perceived support from family, friends, and schools for physical activity participation.  Multiple regression analyses were conducted to establish relationships between variables. A relationship was revealed between school social support for physical activity and physical activity behavior.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of social support and selected demographics on physical activity among middle and high school students.

Keyword(s): Adolescents, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: This was my doctoral dissertation study for my earned PhD in Health Education and Health Promotion. Physical activity, nutrition, academic achievement and social support are my research interests.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.