Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Physical Activity and Fitness in Underserved Middle School Children

作者：Martin Jeffrey J^*; McCaughtry Nate; Flory Sara; Murphy Anne; Wisdom Kimberlydawn

来源：Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2011, 82(2): 247-255.

DOI：10.5641/027013611X13119541883825

• ecological systems theory
• health
• obesity
• self-efficacy

Few researchers have used social cognitive theory and environment-based constructs to predict physical activity (PA) and fitness in underserved middle-school children. Hence, we evaluated social cognitive variables and perceptions of the school environment to predict PA and;fitness in middle school children (N = 506, ages 10-14 years). Using multiple regression analyses we accounted far 12% of the variance in PA and 13-21% of the variance in fitness. The best predictors of PA were barrier self-efficacy, classmate social support, and gender; whereas, only gender predicted fitness. The results affirmed the importance of barrier self-efficacy and gender differences. Our findings regarding classmate social support are some of the first to illuminate the importance of school-specific peers in promoting PA.

• 出版日期2011-6