Exploring Influences on Parent, Child, and Joint Physical Activity Among Inactive Parent-Child Dyads: A Qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Childhood and Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Physical activity declines significantly during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
• Establishing healthy physical activity habits early can promote lifelong well-being.
• Understanding family dynamics is crucial for designing effective physical activity interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and beliefs of inactive parent-child dyads regarding physical activity.
• To identify key psychological, social, and environmental factors influencing physical activity participation.
• To gather insights for developing family-based physical activity interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 48 inactive parent-child dyads.
• Inductive analysis using reflexive thematic analysis to interpret interview data.
• Exploration of individual and dyadic physical activity experiences, barriers, and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Enjoyment emerged as a primary motivator for physical activity in both children and parents.
• Key barriers identified include lack of time, poor self-control, and excessive screen time.
• Participants reported a decrease in shared physical activities (coactivity).

Conclusions:

• Interventions should prioritize fostering intrinsic motivation and enjoyment in physical activity.
• Strategies to enhance autonomous motivation and internalize controlled motivation are recommended.
• Developing action control skills and increasing opportunities for physical activity are essential for sustained participation.