Activity-Related Support From Parents, Peers, and Siblings and Adolescents’ Physical Activity: Are There Gender Differences?

Abstract

Background.A comprehensive measure of activity-related support was developed and used to examine gender differences in activity support and links between support and physical activity in a sample of adolescents.Methods.Participants included 202 middle school girls and boys. Participants completed the Activity Support Scale and three self-report measures of physical activity.Results.Seven sources of support were identified including maternal and paternal logistic support, maternal and paternal modelling, general familial support, sibling support, and peer support; all scales were internally consistent. No gender differences in activity-related support were identified. Adolescents who were more active reported higher levels of activity support from all sources except maternal and paternal modelling of physical activity.Conclusion.Results from this study highlight the importance of activity-related support from family and friends as a potential method to promote and sustain physical activity among adolescents.