Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112255

Mary Jo Nolin, PhD¹, Lance Potter, MA¹, Alicia D. Powers¹, Jennnifer Duke, PhD², and Carrie Heitzler, MPH³. (1) Westat, 1650 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850, 240.314.2363, lancepotter@westat.com, (2) American Legacy Foundation, 2030 M Street, 7th floor, Washington, DC 20036, (3) Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, M/S K46, Atlanta, GA 30341

Inactivity among children and the implications for weight gain and subsequent health problems have motivated health professionals to consider ways to increase physical activity, particularly among preteens and young teenagers. This age is considered particularly amenable to intervention because activity levels begin to decline during the teenage years (Sallis, 2000; Casperssen et al., 2000). Among possible approaches are efforts to change children's self-perceptions to make engaging in physical activity more likely.

We will present data nationally representative data to shed light on the relationship between the psychological and physical self-perceptions of children ages 9 to 13, their self-efficacy with regard to engaging in physical activity, and the extent to which they perceive positive or negative outcomes related to physical activity. The study assessed six psychosocial dimensions of self-perception and self-reported weight. The extent to which children perceive themselves positively on psychosocial dimensions and similar to their peers in weight has an impact on self-efficacy regarding physical activity and perceptions of the consequences of physical activity.

Education and outreach programs that seek to portray the benefits of increased physical activity would benefit from understanding these linkages. Drawing on evidence of the relationship among these factors would maximize the likelihood of influencing children's behavior in a positive direction.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will
•  recognize the relationship of psychological dimensions to child physical activity
•  be able to apply evidence regarding psychological antecedents to develop programs to encourage physical activity and reduce obesity among children

Keywords: Physical Activity, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation