A Cohort Study Investigating the Psychological Correlates of Vigorous Physical Activity Among African-American...

As a result of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, there has been a surge in the prevalence and severity of non-syndromic pediatric overweight (NSPO) in the United States. Prevention interventions such as engagement in regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity have been consistently shown to mitigate the development and maintenance of NSPO. Yet, African-American adolescent females, a subgroup of the population disparately impacted by NSPO, are less likely to engage in regular physical activity. Although multidimensional global self-concept has been identified as a possible predictor of physical activity engagement, dimensional linkage with physical activity engagement among members of this subgroup has yet to be established. This secondary analysis of data from N = 312 urban dwelling African-American adolescent females sought to evaluate the contribution that selected dimensions of global self-concept had on engagement in vigorous physical activity. Findings from a 3-Model hierarchical regression analysis found that in addition to socioeconomic position, several social desirability and competence dimensions of global self-concept were significant predictive contributors to physical activity engagement among members of the study cohort. Specifically, these were the dimensions of physical appearance, romantic appeal, close friendship, social acceptance, and scholastic competence. Although more research is needed, results from this study have important implications for population health.