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Factors Associated With Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among Adolescents
Objective:
Guided by cognitive theory, this study tested an explanatory model for adolescents' beliefs, feelings, and healthy lifestyle behaviors and sex differences in these relationships.
Methods:
Structural equation modeling evaluated cross-sectional data from a healthy lifestyle program from 779 adolescents 14 through 17 years old.
Results:
Theoretical relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors were confirmed and sex differences identified. Thoughts had a direct effect on feelings and an indirect effect through feelings on healthy behaviors for both sexes. A direct effect from thoughts to behaviors existed for males only.
Discussion:
Findings provide strong support for the thinking-feeling-behaving triangle for adolescents. To promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents, interventions should incorporate cognitive behavioral skills-building activities, strengthening healthy lifestyle beliefs, and enhancing positive health behaviors.
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