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Web-based need-supportive parenting program to promote physical activity in secondary school students: a randomized
Pille-Riin Meerits1, Henri Tilga2, Andre Koka1
1Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Ujula 4, Tartu, 51008, Estonia.
This pilot study explored an online training for parents to boost children's physical activity (PA) motivation. While direct PA increases weren't found, the intervention showed promise in enhancing intrinsic motivation and reducing frustration in children.
Area of Science:
- Childhood health behaviors
- Behavioral psychology
- Intervention science
Background:
- Global trend of insufficient physical activity (PA) in children necessitates effective promotion strategies.
- Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a framework for health behavior interventions.
- Parental influence is significant; online training can empower parents to support children's motivation for PA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and pilot an online, Self-determination theory (SDT)-informed, need-supportive training for parents.
- To enhance parents' ability to foster children's intrinsic motivation towards leisure-time physical activity.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on children's psychological states and physical activity levels.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week pilot study involving 68 students and their parents, randomly assigned to intervention or control groups.
- Psychological measures assessed perceptions of parental support, need satisfaction/frustration, motivation, and social cognition.
- Self-reported physical activity and psychological measures were collected pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at one-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increase in children's leisure-time physical activity was observed.
- The intervention group showed marginal increases in intrinsic motivation and decreases in introjected regulation and autonomy frustration at follow-up.
- Control group participants reported higher intention and effort towards physical activity at follow-up; no changes in perceived need-supportive behaviors were found.
Conclusions:
- Parental training interventions informed by Self-determination theory (SDT) show potential for supporting children's intrinsic motivation for physical activity.
- Further research is warranted to test the intervention in diverse domains and explore combined intervention strategies for maximum impact.
- This pilot study provides a foundation for future research and intervention development in childhood physical activity promotion.
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