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Understanding parental support of child physical activity behavior
Ryan E Rhodes1, Tanya Berry, Cora L Craig
1Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, School of Exercise Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. rhodes@uvic.ca
American Journal of Health Behavior
|August 30, 2013
Summary
Mothers highly value child physical activity but struggle to support it due to low perceived control. This impacts their ability to encourage healthy habits in children.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Parental support is crucial for promoting physical activity in children.
- Understanding the psychological factors influencing parental support is essential for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate parental support for child physical activity using an adapted Theory of Planned Behavior model.
- To identify key determinants of mothers' intentions and behaviors regarding their children's physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 663 Canadian mothers.
- Data collected on family priorities, social cognition (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control), and child physical activity.
Main Results:
- Mothers prioritized physical activity highly, comparable to homework.
- Positive attitude towards supporting physical activity predicted intention.
- Only perceived control over providing support predicted actual behavior.
Conclusions:
- Mothers recognize the importance of physical activity for their children.
- A low perception of control significantly hinders mothers' ability to support their children's physical activity.
- Interventions should focus on enhancing mothers' perceived control to improve child physical activity levels.
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