Evaluating a Model of Parental Influence on Youth Physical Activity

Authors: Trost SG, Sallis JF, Pate RR, Freedson PS, Taylor WC, and Dowda M
Journal: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 25(4):277-282, 2003

Three hundred and eighty children along with their parents were surveyed regarding physical activity levels and correlates of physical activity. Parental measures included: parental physical activity level, parental support for physical activity, importance of their child being physically active, and parental enjoyment of physical activity. Child measures included: child physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy. Results of the study found that boys reported significantly more physical activity than girls. Parents reported significantly higher levels of support and perceived importance of physical activity for boys compared to girls. The study concluded that parental support directly and indirectly influenced children's self-efficacy levels and was more influential than parental modeling.

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