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Involvement in Physical Activity: Adolescents' Perceptions of Outcomes

Title:

Involvement in Physical Activity: Adolescents' Perceptions of Outcomes

Gavin, James, Mcbrearty, M. and Harvey, W. (2013) Involvement in Physical Activity: Adolescents' Perceptions of Outcomes. SAGE Open, 3 (2). ISSN 2158-2440

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2158244013485094

Abstract

A total of 1,096 adolescents participated in 123 focus groups regarding the perceived outcomes of their involvement in sports and physical activity (PA). The groups, segmented by grade level, sex, and school types, were conducted in both public and private high schools in Montreal, Quebec. We sought to understand, through the participants’ own words, their perception of the outcome matrix of involvement in sports and PA. Focus group questions emphasized changes that adolescents associated with such engagement. In particular, participants were asked how sports and PA might influence behaviors, emotional states, personal characteristics, and other outcomes. Twelve themes were identified in the responses: Positive Health and Physical Changes (18.5%), Activity-Related Positive Emotions (15.6%), and Personal Learning (11.3%) were most prevalent in the discussions. A cluster of deeper personal changes thematically described as Self-Identity, Autonomy, and Positive Character Development accounted for another 16.5% of the responses. Relatively few commentaries emphasized negative effects (7.1%). Converting the proportions of qualitative data into a quantitative index allowed us to analyze potential differences in emphasis according to sex, age, and school type. Though a few significant findings emerged, the larger pattern was of a uniform perceptual map across the variables for this adolescent sample. Implications drawn from this investigation highlight the need to clearly articulate concrete pathways to positive nonphysical changes (e.g., mood states, autonomy, positive character development) from engagements in sports and PA.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Applied Human Sciences
Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Authors:Gavin, James and Mcbrearty, M. and Harvey, W.
Journal or Publication:SAGE Open
Date:2013
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):10.1177/2158244013485094
Keywords:adolescents, physical activity, perceptions, attitudes, theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, focus groups
ID Code:978143
Deposited By: DAVID MACAULAY
Deposited On:10 Jan 2014 17:30
Last Modified:18 Jan 2018 17:46
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