Original article
Using social cognitive theory to explain discretionary, “leisure-time” physical exercise among high school students

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1054-139X(03)00046-6Get rights and content

Abstract

Purpose

To examine whether knowledge of high school students’ actions of self-regulation, and perceptions of self-efficacy to overcome exercise barriers, social situation, and outcome expectation will predict non-school related moderate and vigorous physical exercise.

Methods

High school students enrolled in introductory Physical Education courses completed questionnaires that targeted selected Social Cognitive Theory variables. They also self-reported their typical “leisure-time” exercise participation using a standardized questionnaire. Bivariate correlation statistic and hierarchical regression were conducted on reports of moderate and vigorous exercise frequency.

Results

Each predictor variable was significantly associated with measures of moderate and vigorous exercise frequency. All predictor variables were significant in the final regression model used to explain vigorous exercise. After controlling for the effects of gender, the psychosocial variables explained 29% of variance in vigorous exercise frequency. Three of four predictor variables were significant in the final regression equation used to explain moderate exercise. The final regression equation accounted for 11% of variance in moderate exercise frequency.

Conclusions

Professionals who attempt to increase the prevalence of physical exercise through educational methods should focus on the psychosocial variables utilized in this study.

Section snippets

Methods

Three high schools in central Ohio were recruited for the study. Data were collected in intact physical education classrooms during two consecutive days. One class period was dedicated to collecting the SCT questionnaires, the Godan Leisure-time Physical Activity questionnaire, resting pulse, resting blood pressure, height, and weight. The second class period was dedicated to obtaining student times in a one and one half-mile walk/run. Only data provided by students who returned a satisfactory

Results

Table 1 provides the frequency distributions for both discretionary “leisure-time” moderate and vigorous physical exercise. 65% of subjects reported engaging in three or more days of vigorous exercise in a typical week, and 36% of subjects reported engaging in moderate exercise on five or more days each week.

Table 2 presents the mean scores and reliability for each predictor variable. Cronbach alpha was used to test the reliability of each instrument. Range of reliability for these predictor

Discussion

The percentage of subjects in this investigation who reported engaging in vigorous exercise on three or more days a week approximates the population estimate, 65% in this study against 64% for high school students nationally [22]. As students progress through high school they tend to decrease their participation in vigorous exercise [22]. Population estimate for the percentage of 9th and 10th grade students who report engaging in vigorous exercise on three or more days each week is 71.9% and

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