The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66064

Tirzah R. Spencer, MPH, Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Health and Human Development, 315 East Health and Human Development, State College, PA 06802, 814-863-7256, trs164@psu.edu and Elaine F. Cassidy, PhD, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, 3440 Market Street; Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Obesity (Surgeon General, 2003) and physical inactivity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2003) among American children and adolescents have emerged as leading public health concerns. Obesity can yield serious health consequences for young people (CDC, 2003) and physical activity can help young people control their weight (CDC, 2003). Even so, nearly half of American youths between 12 and 21 do not regularly exercise (CDC, 2003). Furthermore, the risk of inactivity can increase when gender, race, and specific age are considered (CDC, 2003). The proposed study will use structural equation modeling to examine relationships among the following variables: perceived support, physical activity, self-concept, and body esteem. The sample includes a racially diverse group of 870 urban 4th through 8th graders (415 male, 455 female; mean age = 12.65). Following three primary learning objectives, the study proposes to: 1) Implement a theoretical framework, known as the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST; Spencer, 1995), which highlights developmental processes in context and emphasizes how youth make meaning of risks and supports around them. According to PVEST, perceptions potentially serve as mediating or exacerbating links between environmental risk and support, chosen identities, and psychological and behavioral outcomes (Spencer, 1995); 2) Evaluate how social influence impacts physical activity and self-reported self-concept and body esteem among members of the sample; and 3) Examine age and gender differences in physical activity, self-concept, and body esteem among urban youths. A discussion of implications for public health education will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Implement a theoretical framework, known as the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST; Spencer, 1995), which highlights developmental processes in context and emphasizes how youth make meaning of risks and supports around them. According to PVEST, perceptions potentially serve as mediating or exacerbating links between environmental risk and support, chosen identities, and psychological and behavioral outcomes (Spencer, 1995);
• Recognize how social influence impacts physical activity and self-reported self-concept and body esteem among members of the sample; and
• Examine age and gender differences in physical activity, self-concept, and body esteem among urban youths.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent, Exercise

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.