Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Contribution of athletic identity to child and adolescent physical activity.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Identity theorists maintain that domain-specific self-concepts help explain the differential investment of people's time and effort in various activities. PURPOSE: This study examined the contribution of athletic identity and three key demographic variables to physical activity and sports team participation. METHODS: Students in Grades 4-5 (n=391, mean age 9.9 years, range 8-13 years, collected in 2003) and Grades 7-8 (n=948, mean age 13.6 years, range 11-15 years, collected in 2002 and 2006) completed the 40-item Athletic Identity Questionnaire, which measures self-perceptions of athletic appearance; competence; importance of physical activity and sports; and encouragement for activity from parents, teachers, and friends. Hierarchic multiple regression analyses in 2008 assessed the effects of athletic identity, race/ethnicity group, gender, and overweight status on 7-day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and organized sport team participation in each age group. RESULTS: In children and adolescents, the global score of athletic identity was independently, positively related to MVPA (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively) and team participation (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively), after controlling for demographic variables. More variance in MVPA was explained in children (23%) than in adolescents (5%), in contrast to team sports (5% in children, 15% in adolescents). In the subscale analyses, positive relationships for appearance, competence, importance, and parental encouragement persisted independent of demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the role of athletic self-concept in promoting physical activity and organized sport participation in children and adolescents.

Author information

Author/s: Anderson, Cheryl B (CB); Mâsse, Louise C (LC); Zhang, Hong (H); Coleman, Karen J (KJ); Chang, Shine (S);

Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. cheryla(-atsign-)bcm.tmc.edu

Grants: R01-CA98662 (Agency:NCI NIH HHS) ; R03-CA90185 (Agency:NCI NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: American journal of preventive medicine (Am J Prev Med), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 37 (issue 3) : pp 220-6

Dates: Created 2009/08/11; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19595559, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/29/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Anthropometry Child Female Humans Leisure Activities Male Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness Questionnaires Regression Analysis Schools Self Concept Social Environment Sports - psychology Students

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