Gender and Ethnicity as Predictors of PA and Social Cognitive Theory Beliefs in Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites

Background: Examined how physical activity (PA) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) variables related to gender and ethnicity. Specifically, we compared Hispanic (men and women) to their non-Hispanic white (NHW) counterparts. Social Cognitive Theory constructs included outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, self-regulation (goals and plans) and social support (friends and family). Methods: Hispanic (n = 240) and NHW (n = 92) students participated in the study by completing a survey that contained measures of PA (i.e., the International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and SCT variables. Results: A series of 2 x 2 (gender by ethnicity) ANOVAs revealed multiple main effects and interactions. Regarding PA, NHW students were more physically active than Hispanic students (p < .05) and men were more active than women (p < .05). Regarding SCT variables, men reported greater self-efficacy and self-regulation (goals and plans) than women (all p < .05), but these variables did not vary by ethnicity. A significant interaction showed Hispanic women to report the greatest family support for PA (p < .05); women overall reported greater friend support (p < .05). A significant interaction also showed that Hispanic males and NHW females reported the greatest expectancies for body image (p < .05). Finally, two significant interactions showed Hispanic males to have greater expectancies for psychological outcomes and competition (both p < .05) than all other groups. Conclusion: Gender and ethnicity are important predictors of PA, as well as beliefs about PA based on SCT. The results have implications for intervention with the various subgroups.