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Peer influence on children's physical activity: an experience sampling study
Sarah-Jeanne Salvy1, Julie Wojslawowicz Bowker, James N Roemmich
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Farber Hall, NY 14214-3000, USA. ssalvy@buffalo.edu
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|May 26, 2007
Summary
Peer presence encourages more intense physical activity in children. Overweight children engage more in physical activity with peers but also spend more time alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Behavioral science
- Social determinants of health
Background:
- Childhood physical activity is crucial for health and development.
- Social context, including peers and family, may influence activity levels.
- Understanding factors affecting physical activity is key to addressing childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between social context and physical activity intensity.
- To compare these associations in overweight versus lean children.
- To examine differences between boys and girls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 20 children (10 boys, 10 girls) aged 13-14 years participated.
- Participants were categorized as overweight (≥85th BMI percentile) or lean (15th-85th BMI percentile).
- Activity intensity and social context (solitary vs. with others) were self-reported over seven days.
Main Results:
- Children engaged in more intense physical activity when accompanied by peers or friends.
- Overweight children reported higher physical activity levels with peers compared to lean children.
- Overweight children also reported spending a greater amount of time engaged in solitary activities.
Conclusions:
- Peer relationships are a significant factor in children's physical activity intensity.
- Social context, particularly peer influence, should be considered in research and interventions for childhood obesity.
- Interventions may benefit from leveraging peer dynamics to promote physical activity.
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