Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Exploring associations between church-based social support and physical activity.
Mohamed Kanu1, Elizabeth Baker, Ross C Brownson
1Department of Health Administration and Health Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|July 24, 2008
Summary
Church-based instrumental social support may encourage physical activity initiation. However, neither instrumental nor informational support was linked to meeting physical activity guidelines in rural adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Science
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a significant public health issue, with over half of US adults not meeting recommended leisure-time physical activity levels.
- Social support, particularly from community settings like churches, may play a role in health behaviors.
- Understanding the specific types of social support (instrumental vs. informational) and their association with physical activity is crucial for designing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between church-based instrumental social support and informational social support.
- To determine if these types of social support are associated with meeting physical activity guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1625 rural residents.
- Logistic regression was employed to assess associations between social support and physical activity.
Main Results:
- A significant association was observed between instrumental social support and engaging in some level of physical activity.
- No significant associations were found between either instrumental or informational social support and meeting recommended physical activity guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Instrumental social support may be a facilitator for initiating physical activity.
- Given the high rates of inactivity, instrumental social support warrants consideration in the development of physical activity programs.
Related Concept Videos
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
01:18Healthcare Agencies I
Healthcare agencies provide healthcare services to people. In the United States, voluntary agencies are often non-profit centers sponsored by donations, grants, or fundraisers. One such organization is Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to the elderly and homebound. The American Heart Association and the American Lung Association are other non-profit community organizations. Doctors and nurses are frequently active members of these organizations, which offer health checks and educational...