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Published on: July 27, 2022
Pathways linking perceived athletic competence and parental support at age 9 years to girls' physical activity at age
Kirsten Krahnstoever Davison1, Danielle Symons Downs, Leann L Birch
1Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer 12144, USA. kdavison@albany.edu
Abstract:
Girls' perceived athletic competence and parental support of physical activity across the ages of 9 to 11 years were examined as predictors of girls' physical activity at age 11 years. Participants were 174 girls and their mothers and fathers who completed questionnaires when the girls were ages 9 and 11 years. Two alternative temporal pathways linking perceived competence, parental support, and physical activity were assessed using path analysis. Results provided evidence for the child elicitation pathway; higher perceived competence at the age of 9 years predicted higher parental support at age 11 years, which, in turn, predicted higher physical activity among girls. Findings highlight the importance of encouraging parents to make a special effort to support physical activity among girls who do not perceive themselves as being athletically competent.
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