Application of a social cognitive model in explaining physical activity in Iranian female adolescents

The relationship between exercise-related expectancies and exercise behaviour in adolescent athletes

Background

In recent years, a decline in sports behaviour among adolescents was observed, even though it is generally known that sports contribute to healthy development. According to the social cognitive theory of Bandura, outcome expectancies play an important role in the practice of health behaviour.

Methods

This study analysed the relationship between exercise-related outcome expectancies (EOEs) and exercise behaviour among adolescent athletes, and the differences of EOEs according to age, gender and type of sport played. In an online survey N = 223 (female = 140, male = 83) athletes between the age of 10-19 (Mage = 14.27, SD = 3.21) completed the Exercise-related Outcome Expectancies Questionnaire for Adolescents (EOEQ-A), as well as questions about their sociodemographic background and training behaviour.

Results

A small positive correlation of psychological EOEs with the overall amount of training was discovered while expectancies about negative consequences of sports were associated with lower training efforts. Athletes between 14 and 16 years reported significantly stronger negative EOEs than younger or older participants. Regarding gender, no significant differences were found. Furthermore, a positive correlation between social EOEs and participation in team sports, as well as training in a group was found.

Conclusion

These results could help with adapting exercise-related interventions so that the positive expectancies of the athletes can be fulfilled and exercise behaviour among adolescents can be promoted. Future studies should investigate the relationship between changes in expectancies and changes in exercise behaviour.

Reliability and Validity of a Theory-Based Determinants of Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors Questionnaire for Chinese Elementary School Children

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a Social Cognitive Theory-based instrument to identify psychosocial factors that influence diet and physical activity among Chinese children aged 10-12 years.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study, with data collected from questionnaires.

SETTING

Two elementary schools in Beijing, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourth to sixth-grade students (N = 1,486) aged 10-12 years were recruited.

VARIABLES MEASURED

Gender, height, weight, nation, and grade were collected. Energy-balanced eating behaviors and their related sociopsychological factors were surveyed.

ANALYSIS

Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlations, Cronbach α index, and mediation analysis were used.

RESULTS

(1) Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 6-factor solution (51 items) and all factor loadings > 0.32, indicating that the model fitness was acceptable. (2) All correlation coefficients are statistically significant. All of the Cronbach α indexes were > 0.65, indicating acceptable reliability. (3) The mediating effect of goal intention and outcome expectations between self-efficacy and habit strength was statistically significant (P < 0.01), verifying the theory structure.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This questionnaire exhibits good internal consistency, reliability, and structural validity. It can be effectively employed to investigate energy-balanced eating behaviors related to the Social Cognitive Theory in Chinese children.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between social support and physical activity in adolescents: the mediating role of self-efficacy

Introduction

Social support influences physical activity (PA) in adolescents. However, whether mediating and moderating effects impact the relationship between them or the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of self-efficacy as well as a series of moderating influences using a meta-analytic approach.

Methods

A total of 56 studies published between January 2001 and May 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science, EBSCO, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Wiley, ProQuest, and CNKI (core) databases, comprising 65 independent samples (total sample size = 47,196).

Results and discussion

The mean weighted correlation coefficients between social, family, peer, and school support and adolescent PA were 0.298, 0.226, 0.256, and 0.142, respectively, which were significant, except for school support. Family support and teenage PA were related, although the connection was moderated by gender and socioeconomic characteristics. While social, family, and peer support had a direct influence on adolescent PA, school support did not. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and its subtypes and adolescent PA.

Full-Day Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Levels of Typically Developing Children and Adolescents in the Middle East: A Systematic Review

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are important components of physical behaviour associated with long-term health outcomes. Environmental and cultural factors may influence physical behaviour. To explore full day PA and SB in children and adolescents (2-18 years old) in the Middle East, a systematic literature review was performed including 183 journal articles. A wide range of PA and SB outcomes were reported, in some cases making synthesis of results difficult. As a consequence, results were generally reported narratively (MVPA time, total PA, SB time). Meta-regression of daily step count revealed females took 4600 fewer steps than males, with 3000 fewer steps on weekdays than weekends, and overweight individuals taking 2800 fewer steps/day. Steps decreased with age. Meta-regression for TV viewing time demonstrated an increase by 0.04 h per year of age. Even though environmental and cultural conditions may be different, PA and SB of children and adolescents in the Middle East were largely comparable to those of Europeans and North Americans. The wide range of data collection instruments used (both self-report questionnaire and body-worn devices) and heterogeneity of data made synthesis of reported data across studies very difficult, suggesting a need for greater standardisation of data collection methods.

Applying Social Cognitive Theory in Predicting Physical Activity Among Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study With Multigroup Structural Equation Model

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the applicability of social cognitive determinants among the Chinese adolescents and examine whether the predictability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) model on physical activity (PA) differs across gender (boys and girls) and urbanization (urban and suburban). A total of 3,000 Chinese adolescents ranging between the ages of 12-15 years were randomly selected to complete a set of questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to investigate the relationships between social cognitive variables and PA in the urbanization and gender subgroups. The overall model explained 38.9% of the variance in PA. Fit indices indicated that the structural model of SCT was good: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.047, (root mean square residual) RMR = 0.028, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.974, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.960, Tucker-Lewis coefficient (TLI) = 0.971, and comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.978. Regarding the subgroup analysis, social support (critical ratios [CRs] = 2.118; p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in suburban areas than that in urban areas, whereas self-regulation (CRs = -2.896, p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in urban areas than in suburban areas. The results indicate that the SCT model predicts the PA of Chinese adolescents substantially. An SCT model could apply over a range of subgroups to predict the PA behavior and should be considered comprehensively when designing interventions. These findings would benefit PA among the Chinese adolescents, especially across genders and urbanization.

The study of Iranian children and adolescents' physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic and meta-analysis review was conducted to determine the status of Iranian children and adolescents' physical activity.

CONTENT

All the related articles which were published in the major databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Magiran, SID from the beginning of 2010 to the end of 2019, were reviewed by researchers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was also used to evaluate the quality of articles. Moreover, I ² index and chi-square were used to assess the heterogeneity between the results.

SUMMARY

490 articles were found as a result of the search in the selected international and local databases, where finally, 10 articles were included into the meta-analysis after the elimination of the duplicated articles and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that 29.5% of the girls were considered active according to WHO criteria (16.1-42.8: 95% CI) and also 20.5% of the boys (7.3-33.7: 95% CI).

OUTLOOK

Overall, this study's findings showed that a large percentage of Iranian children and adolescents do not achieve the level of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization. This can lead to undesirable consequences for this group of population that is considered as the human capital of any country; consequently, it seems necessary to take basic measures at the micro and macro levels in order to reduce such problems in the society.

Reliability of the Swedish version of the multidimensional outcome expectations for exercise scale (MOEES-SW) in a cardiac population

Purpose: Translate and adapt the Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES) into Swedish language and to explore psychometric properties, in terms of test-retest reliability, internal consistency as well as factor structure and floor and ceiling effects, of the Swedish version of MOEES in cardiac patients.Materials and methods:This prospective psychometrical study set in a Swedish cardiac rehabilitation outpatient clinic included 74 patients; age ³18 years after acute coronary syndrome or that had undergone cardiac surgery. Translation and adaptation procedure of the MOEES followed established international guidelines. To evaluate test-retest reliability, relative (intra-class correlation coefficient ICC, 2.1)and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement (SEM) standard error of measurement % (SEM%), percentage of absolute agreement and Kappa coefficient for each item were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach´s alpha. The original 3-factor structure was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis. Floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients, mean age 65 years, were included in the study. The test-retest showed for the three outcome expectations subscales (Physical, Self-evaluative and Social) ICC-values of 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20-0.58), 0.57 (0.39-0.71) and 0.72 (0.57-0.83), respectively. In general, the Kappa coefficients were low and varied between 0.11 and 0.44. Two questions had low loadings in the confirmatory factor analysis (<0.5) , contributing to a weak fit of the model. There was no floor effect, but the subscales physical and self-evaluative outcome expectation showed ceiling effects. Conclusion:This is the first study to analyse test-retest reliability of the translated version of MOEES into Swedish in cardiac patients and shows need for further development of the instrument before use in clinical practice and research.

Barriers and facilitators to meeting recommended physical activity levels among new immigrant and refugee children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Newcomers are often healthy when they arrive in Canada, yet experience health declines shortly thereafter, possibly due to lifestyle changes. As part of the Healthy Immigrant Children study, this mixed-methods study aims to analyze possible predictors of physical activity among 300 newcomer children, and explore their lived experiences using a sub-sample of 19 parents and 24 service providers. Data collection involved questionnaires concerning socioeconomic status and physical activity, anthropometric measurements, and in-depth interviews. Participants aged 5 years and older largely met physical activity recommendations (82.9%), while none of the 3-4-year-olds did. Males were more active than females, especially among older ages. Many participants engaged in too much screen time (53.4-90.0%). Age and income predicted physical activity among males, while parents' education level was the only significant predictor among females. Barriers to physical activity included: recreational physical activity being an unfamiliar concept, gender limitations, financial resources, safety concerns, and children's preference for screen time. Schools played a central role in newcomer children's health by providing accessible opportunities for physical activity. Newcomer families preferred to have their children involved in culturally relevant physical activities. Given the growing newcomer population, it is important to support active lifestyle practices among them. Novelty: About 83% of newcomer children aged 5 years and older met physical activity recommendations, while none of the 3-4-year-olds did. Age and income predicted males' physical activity, while parents' education level predicted females' physical activity. Schools provide accessible opportunities for newcomer children to engage in physical activity.

The Role of Recreational Online Activities in School-Based Screen Time Sedentary Behaviour Interventions for Adolescents: A Systematic and Critical Literature Review

Sedentary behaviours are highly associated with obesity and other important health outcomes in adolescence. This paper reviews screen time and its role within school-based behavioural interventions targeting adolescents between the years 2007 and 2019. A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across five major databases to identify interventions targeting screen time—in addition to TV/DVD viewing. The review identified a total of 30 papers analysing 15 studies across 16 countries aiming at addressing reduction of recreational screen time (internet use and gaming) in addition to television/DVD viewing. All of the interventions focused exclusively on behaviour change, targeting in the majority both reduction of sedentary behaviours along with strategies to increase physical activity levels. A mix of intervention effects were found in the reviewed studies. Findings suggest aiming only for reduction in time spent on screen-based behaviour within interventions could be a limited strategy in ameliorating excessive screen use, if not targeted, in parallel, with strategies to address other developmental, contextual and motivational factors that are key components in driving the occurrence and maintenance of adolescent online behaviours. Additionally, it raises the need for a differential treatment and assessment of each online activity within the interventions due to the heterogeneity of the construct of screen time. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school-based sedentary behaviour interventions and implications for public policy are discussed.

Application of Social Cognitive Theory to Prevent Waterpipe Use in Male High-school Students in Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND

The growing supply and prevalence of waterpipe (WP) smoking among Iranian adolescents have become a concern for both families and policymakers. The aim of this study was to determine the factors underlying WP use and also to design an intervention program based on social cognitive theory (SCT) aimed to reduce the demand for WP smoking among male adolescents.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study involved 189 high-school students in Kerman, Iran, who were split into two groups, an intervention group and a control group. A validated questionnaire based on SCT constructs was used to collect data. The intervention was performed over four sessions with a focus on preventing WP smoking.

RESULTS

Before intervention, the lifetime and current-use prevalence of WP smoking across both groups was 48.5% and 20.2%, respectively. In the intervention group, the most change was related to knowledge score from 10.70 ± 4.38 to 16.52 ± 3.89 (P < 0.0001) and outcome values score from 12.40 ± 3.81 to 13.53 ± 4.23 (P = 0.007); however, in the control group, no significant changes were seen in posttest scores. The scores for self-efficacy (P = 0.21), outcome expectations (P = 0.09), and environment constructs (P = 0.06) did not show any statistically significant changes after the intervention in both groups. Overall, there was no significant difference in the rate of WP smoking after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, although some construct scores showed significant differences after the intervention, there was no significant change in the prevalence of WP smoking. More effective educational interventions based on this theory but with a greater focus on self-efficacy and environmental influences may be warranted.

Predicting physical activity among urban adolescent girls: A test of the health promotion model

The purpose of this study was to test hypothesized relationships of the health promotion model (HPM) as a means of predicting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among urban, adolescent girls. A secondary analysis of baseline data from a group randomized controlled trial was conducted. The study involved eight urban schools in the Midwestern United States. The sample included girls (N = 517) in the 5th-8th grades. Data were collected on age, body mass index, pubertal status, enjoyment, self-efficacy, social support, options for physical activity (PA), and commitment to PA. MVPA was measured via accelerometers worn by the girls for 7 days. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze study aims. Mean age of the sample was 11.8 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.0). Girls attained an average of 3.0 (SD = 1.2) minutes per hour of MVPA. Self-efficacy had a positive direct (β = .337; p < .001) and total effect (β = .310; p < .001) on MVPA. Social support and options for PA were not significant predictors of commitment to PA or MVPA. Commitment to PA had a negative but nonsignificant effect (β = -.056; p = .357) on MVPA. The model predicted 10.1% of the variance in MVPA with 9.6% of the variance predicted by self-efficacy. Limitations include lack of longitudinal analysis and inability to generalize the results to other populations such as boys. PA self-efficacy continues to emerge as a significant predictor of MVPA in the HPM. Continued theory testing is needed to better understand the correlates and determinants of PA among adolescent girls before designing theory-based interventions to promote PA.

Barrier-belief lifestyle counseling in primary care: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy

OBJECTIVE

Intervening on barrier beliefs (BBs) may inhibit the role of barriers as mediating factors in lifestyle behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a barrier-belief counseling intervention (BBCI) on physical activity (PA) and healthy food intake.

METHODS

An RCT was conducted in a primary care setting among adults (aged 18-70), with two interventions: a BBCI (n = 123) and a standardized lifestyle group intervention (SLI) (n = 122). A non-treated hanging control group (n = 36) received no intervention. Outcomes on PA (accelerometer and SQUASH) and fruit and vegetable intake (self-report) were measured with follow-ups at 6, 12 and 18 months, and analyzed using multiple regression.

RESULTS

The BBCI was more effective on PA compared with the SLI (p < .01): in the short term all PA outcomes improved (p < .05), in the long term moderate-to-vigorous PA outcomes improved (p < .05), all with small effect sizes. No differences between interventions were found on fruit and vegetable intake. None of the outcomes in the control group changed over time.

CONCLUSIONS

BBCI in primary care improves PA compared with SLI.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The customized BB approach seems promising for implementation in healthcare practice to stimulate PA.

What older adolescents expect from physical activity: Implicit cognitions regarding health and appearance outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To explore older adolescents' reflective and impulsive thoughts about health- and social/appearance-related physical activity (PA) outcomes and investigate how those thoughts relate to their PA behavior.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and forty-four undergraduate students (109 women; 35 men) aged 17-19 years (M = 18.11, SD = 0.65) participated in this study in October 2015.

METHODS

Participants completed a Go/No-go Association Task that assessed automaticity of associations between PA words and either health outcomes or social/appearance outcomes. Questionnaires assessing PA behavior, attitudes, outcome expectations, and body image were also completed.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated a positive automatic association between PA and social/appearance outcomes, F(1, 136) = 4.403, p < .05, η² = .031, but they showed no difference in their associations between PA and desirable or undesirable health outcomes, F(1, 136) = 2.405, p = .123, η² = .017.

CONCLUSIONS

Older adolescents implicitly attend to the social/appearance outcomes of PA more than potential health outcomes, indicating that social recognition and a desirable physique may be the key PA motivators for adolescents.

The longitudinal relationship between generalized self-efficacy and physical activity in school-aged children

Our understanding of the longitudinal relationship between generalized self-efficacy (GSE) and physical activity in children and youth is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of GSE towards physical activity on sedentary behaviours and physical activity in school-aged children over time. A total of 2278 nine-year-old children (1120 girls and 1158 boys) were recruited at baseline and followed for seven waves of data collection from 2005 to 2008. All children completed questionnaires at each wave assessing their GSE (adequacy, predilection, and enjoyment), sedentary behaviours, free play, and organized activity. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate changes in physical activity and GSE within individuals over time, controlling for gender and motor ability. The results showed that participation in free play significantly increased over time, whereas organized activity significantly decreased over the same period. Children with high perceived adequacy and predilection had higher free play and organized activity participation relative to other children over time. However, the effect of perceived adequacy diminished over time, while the gaps between groups with different levels of predilection widened over time. While sedentary behaviours were lower over time in children with high predilection, these behaviours were consistently higher in children with high enjoyment. The differences in sedentary behaviours between groups increased over time for both predilection and enjoyment. This study highlights the importance of different components of GSE on physical activity participation. In addition, interventions targeting the enhancement of predilection may facilitate physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours.

Social Cognitive Theory and Physical Activity Among Korean Male High-School Students

The most critical step in developing and implementing effective physical activity interventions is to understand the determinants and correlates of physical activity, and it is strongly suggested that such effort should be based on theories. The purpose of this study is to test the direct, indirect, and total effect of social cognitive theory constructs on physical activity among Korean male high-school students. Three-hundred and forty-one 10th-grade male students were recruited from a private single-sex high school located in Seoul, South Korea. Structural equation modeling was used to test the expected relationships among the latent variables. The proposed model accounted for 42% of the variance in physical activity. Self-efficacy had the strongest total effect on physical activity. Self-efficacy for being physically active was positively associated with physical activity (p < .01). Self-efficacy also had positive indirect effects on physical activity through perceived benefits (p < .05) and goal setting (p < .01). The results of this study indicated that the social cognitive theory is a useful framework to understand physical activity among Korean male adolescents. Physical activity interventions targeting Korean male high-school students should focus on the major sources of efficacy.

Physical Activity Among Female Adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Health Promotion Model-Based Path Analysis

BACKGROUND

In Saudi Arabia, about 14.8% of female children and adolescents of less than 20 years old are obese, compared with only 9.4% of male children and adolescents. One major factor linked to the high prevalence of obesity and related chronic illnesses involves inadequate physical activity (PA). Only 25% of female adolescents in Saudi Arabia meet the recommendation calling for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per day.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to examine relationships among self-reported PA and cognitive and affective variables, including perceived barriers to PA, PA self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, social support for PA, and commitment to PA.

METHODS

Female Saudi adolescents 13-18 years of age were recruited from 10 public intermediate and high schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Female adolescents who met the inclusion criteria completed surveys and participated in height and weight measurements at schools. A structural equation model based on the health promotion model was estimated, with commitment to PA hypothesized to mediate relationships between health promotion model (HPM) predictors and self-reported PA.

RESULTS

A total of 405 female adolescents with a mean age of 15.4 years took part in the study, of whom 25.3% were overweight or obese. Mean PA level measured via the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents was 2.1 (SD = 0.66), which is low. Commitment to PA partially mediated the relationships of PA self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, and social support for PA; 25.4% of the variance in PA was explained. The model did not support the indirect relationship of perceived barriers through commitment or the direct relationship between enjoyment and PA.

DISCUSSION

This study indicates that Saudi female adolescents are in need of interventions to increase their PA. The findings suggest that addressing perceived barriers to PA and targeting PA self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, and social support for PA to enhance commitment to PA may be a fruitful approach in nursing interventions to increase PA among Saudi female adolescents.

Socializing Agents for Sport and Physical Activities in Teenage Students: Comparative Studies in Samples From Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain

The aim of this study is to analyze a set of socializing agents for sport and physical activities and to establish their relationship with leisure time sport and physical activities behaviors and practice patterns in samples of teenage students with different sociocultural backgrounds. The sample included 2168 students in their first year of secondary education, 423 of them being from Costa Rica, 408 from Mexico, and 1337 from Spain (1052 male students, 1037 female students, and 79 students who did not specify gender) aged 11-16 years old (M = 12.49; SD = .81). A validated questionnaire with questions about leisure time sport and physical activities and socializing agents was used. Descriptive, inferential, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were carried out with SPSS 17.0 to compare all three countries. Costa Rica had the most active students, best friends' inactivity, and unsupportive parents being the agents predicting inactivity and a low level of sport and physical activities. Mexico has a high dropout rate and inactive students exceed active ones; no agent predicts inactivity or sport and physical activities pattern. Spain has the highest level of sport and physical activities practice, and parents, siblings, and friends are predicting agents of inactivity together with unsupportive parents and friends.

Effect of theory-based intervention to promote physical activity among adolescent girls: a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) rates decline among most high school female students, and due to cultural restrictions, the reduction of physical activity might be exacerbated in female Iranian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of the physical activity education theory-based intervention to promote activity among adolescent girls.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at public high schools in Tehran, Iran, from September 2015 to July 2016 on 578 girls. The subjects were assigned randomly to two groups of experiment and control (n=289 per group). All participants in the experimental group received an educational program based on a modified TPB. Measures were assessed before and 6 months after the experiment. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. We used descriptive statistics, multilevel analysis, Likelihood Ratio (LR) test, P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Five hundred and seventy-eight participants with a mean age of 14.26±0.96 years were studied in two groups of experiment (n=289) and control (n=289). Moreover, adjusted for the baseline values, the mean of the scores of the knowledge (84.1±13.6), attitude (31.2±13.6), subjective norm (40.4±11.1), behavioral intention (34.3±14.7), perceived behavioral control (38.4±11.6), perceived parental control (42.9±14.2), behavioral (42.6±17.1) was significantly higher in the experiment group compared with the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study implicate that theory based educational intervention is considered to be more effective in improving physical activity in adolescents. This result can be used to increase adolescent's health promotion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRST) with the identification number: IRCT2015070623089N2.

FUNDING

The authors received no financial support for the research from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.

The role of social support on physical activity behaviour in adolescent girls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Adolescent girls have been targeted as a priority group for promoting physical activity levels however it is unclear how this can be achieved. There is some evidence to suggest that social support could impact the physical activity levels of adolescent girls, although the relationship is complex and not well understood. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the relationship between social support and physical activity in adolescent girls, exploring how different types and providers of social support might influence the relationship. Articles were identified through a systematic search of the literature using 14 electronic databases, personal resources, grey literature, and reference lists of included studies and previous reviews. Search terms representing social support, physical activity and adolescent girls were identified and used in various combinations to form a search strategy which was adapted for different databases. Cross-sectional or longitudinal articles published in English that reported an association between social support and physical activity in adolescent girls between the ages of 10 to 19 years were included. Studies that focused only on clinical or overweight populations were excluded. Data extraction was carried out by one reviewer using an electronic extraction form. A random 25 % of included articles were selected for data extraction by a second reviewer to check fidelity. Risk of bias was assessed using a custom tool informed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Cohort Study Checklist in conjunction with data extraction. Cross-sectional results were meta-analysed and longitudinal results were presented narratively. Small but significant associations between all available providers of total social support (except teachers) and physical activity were found (r = .14-.24). Small but significant associations were also identified for emotional, instrumental and modelling support for some providers of support (r = .10-.21). Longitudinal research supported the cross-sectional analyses. Many of the meta-analysis results suggested high heterogeneity and there was some evidence of publication bias, therefore, the meta-analysis results should be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, the meta-analysis results suggest that social support is not a strong predictor of physical activity in adolescent girls though parents and friends may have a role in enhancing PA.

Trial registration

PROSPERO 2014:CRD42014006738

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-016-0405-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development and psychometric properties of a self-regulation scale about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents

Background:

Self-regulation is one of the current psychological concepts that have been known as a determinant of leisure time physical activity. Due to cultural and social diversity in different societies and age groups, application of specific questionnaires is essential to perform investigations about physical activities. The aim of this study is development and evaluation of psychometric properties of a self-regulation questionnaire about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013, and data of 603 male students from 12 high schools in Isfahan were collected. A comprehensive literature review and similar questionnaire review were conducted and 25 items were selected or developed to measure self-regulation. Comprehensibility of items was evaluated in a pilot study and an expert panel evaluated face and content validity. Exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was used for evaluation of construct validity and extraction of sub-constructs of self-regulation. Leisure time physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 16.3 years (SD =1.0) and the range was 15-19 years. Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire in the pilot and main study was 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. EFA resulted in four sub-constructs including “enlistment of social support”, “goal setting”, “self-construction”, and “self-monitoring”, which explained 63.6% of the variance of self-regulation.

Conclusions:

Results of this investigation provide some support to the validity and reliability of the 16-item questionnaire of self-regulation abut leisure time physical activity in the target group.

A self-efficacy questionnaire regarding leisure time physical activity: Psychometric properties among Iranian male adolescents

BACKGROUND

Attention to different aspects of self-efficacy leads to actual evaluation of self-efficacy about physical activity. This study was carried out in order to design and determine psychometric characteristics of a questionnaire for evaluation of self-efficacy about leisure time physical activity (SELPA) among Iranian adolescent boys, with an emphasis on regulatory self-efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 734 male adolescents aged 15-19 years in Isfahan. After item generation and item selection based on review of literature and other questionnaires, content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were determined and items were modified employing the opinions of expert panel (N = 10). Comprehensibility of the questionnaire was determined by members of target group (N = 35). Exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was operated on sample 1 (N 1 = 325) and confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) on sample 2 (N 2 = 347). Reliability of SELPA was estimated via internal consistency method.

RESULTS

According to EFA, barrier self-efficacy and scheduling self-efficacy are the two main aspects of SELPA with the total variance of 65%. The suggested model was confirmed by CFA and all fitness indices of the corrected model were good. Cronbach's alpha was totally estimated as 0.89 and for barrier and scheduling self-efficacy, it was 0.86 and 0.81, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide some evidence for acceptable validity and reliability of SELPA in Iranian adolescent boys. However, further investigations, especially for evaluation of predictive power of the questionnaire, are necessary.

Reliability and Validity of the Commitment to Physical Activity Scale for Adolescents

PURPOSE

To examine psychometric properties of a Commitment to Physical Activity Scale for Adolescents (CPASA).

DESIGN

Two test-retest studies and a prospective study, approved by a university institutional review board, were conducted in midwestern U.S. urban areas.

SETTING

The first test-retest study occurred in four community centers, the second test-retest study took place in a community school, and the prospective study occurred in eight middle schools.

SUBJECTS

To measure commitment at baseline and 1 week later, 51 girls in the first test-retest study completed an original 26-item scale, and 91 in the second test-retest study completed a revised 11-item scale. In the prospective study, 503 girls completed the 11-item scale.

MEASURES

Commitment was measured via the CPASA. After completing the CPASA, girls in the prospective study wore ActiGraph GT3X-plus accelerometers that measured light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity (LMVPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

ANALYSIS

Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were estimated. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to cross-validate the factor structure.

RESULTS

For the 11-item CPASA, Cronbach α ranged from .81 to .82, and test-retest reliability was .88. Both EFA and CFA indicated a single factor. The scale was significantly correlated with LMVPA (r = .10) and MVPA (r = .11).

CONCLUSION

The 11-item CPASA demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity with girls.

Introducing an Outcome Expectation Questionnaire and Its Psychometric Properties Regarding Leisure Time Physical Activity for Iranian Male Adolescent

BACKGROUND

Outcome expectation (OE) is known as a psychosocial determinant of leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Despite importance of this construct evaluation, there is no evidence of special questionnaire for measuring OE in Persian speaking Iranian male adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

This article reports development and psychometric evaluation process of a specific questionnaire that evaluates OE about LTPA among Iranian male adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and group discussions were used to select 26 items of this questionnaire based on 3 dimensions of OE (self-evaluation, social expectancy, and physical expectancy). All Participants (n = 720) were divided into two groups randomly after evaluating comprehensibility, face and content validity, and items analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were separately operated on one of these groups for evaluation of the construct validity of questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated by the Cronbach α.

RESULTS

EFA extracted 3 main factors explained 45.80%, 10.31%, and 7.51% of OE variance, respectively. Almost all fit indexes in CFA were acceptable (CMIN = 107.39, CMIN/DF = 2.619, CFI = 0.938, PCFI = 0.699, RMSEA = 0.067, PCLOSE = 0.034). Finally 11 items remained in the questionnaire, which showed excellent reliability on main study (α = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided evidence regarding the reliability and validity of the Iranian male adolescent outcome expectation about leisure time physical activity (IMAO-PAC) and illustrated that this new questionnaire can be used to measure the perceived exercise benefits among target group in observational and interventional studies.

Longitudinal changes in beliefs by stage of physical activity adoption in Iranian girls

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to examine the relationships among physical activity (PA)-related beliefs and to determine to what extent Iranian adolescents in different stages of PA adoption differ in perceived benefits and barriers during a 3-year transition from junior high school to high school.

METHODS

Data were collected from female adolescents in 2010 (N = 558), of whom 412 provided follow-up data in 2013. One-way analysis of variance and logistic regression were conducted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Participants in the action and maintenance stages reported the greatest agreement with benefits. Pre-contemplators were about 4 times more likely to cite "not enough time" than preparers (OR = 3.95). Pre-contemplators were over 4 times more likely to cite not liking exercise than those in action and maintenance stages at baseline (OR = 4.32 and 4.85), a finding which was maintained at follow-up (OR = 3.66 and 8.65).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings could help with the creation of interventions tailored to encourage pre-contemplators to progress toward adoption of PA. Providing transportation supports, enhancing time management, and mitigating boredom may be helpful strategies either to prevent relapse in adoption stages or to move females in early stages of change toward action and maintenance.

Application of social cognitive theory in predicting childhood obesity prevention behaviors in overweight and obese Iranian adolescents

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to use social cognitive theory to predict overweight and obesity behaviors in adolescent girls in Iran. Valid and reliable questionnaires about nutritional and physical activity regarding social cognitive theory constructs (self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, and outcome expectancies), dietary habits, and physical activity were filled by 172 overweight and obese girl adolescents. The mean age and body mass index were 13.4 ± 0.6 years and 28.2 ± 3.6 kg/m(2), respectively. Body mass index was significantly related to hours of television viewing (p = .003) and grams of junk food (p = .001). None of the social cognitive theory constructs were found to be significant predictors for servings of fruits and vegetables, grams of junk foods, minutes of physical activity, and hours of sedentary behaviors. In future, more culturally appropriate models need to be developed in Iran that can explain and predict prevention behaviors of obesity in Iranian adolescents.

Effects of physical exercise programme on happiness among older people

This randomized-controlled trial investigated the effect of physical exercise programme (PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran. Results of this study on 120 male and female volunteers showed that an 8-week group physical exercise programme was significantly effective in older adults' happiness. Findings showed that physical exercise programme is so beneficial for increasing older adults' happiness. Physical activity is associated with well-being and happiness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week long physical exercise programme (PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran. This was a randomized control trial study. The participants consisted of a group of 120 male and female volunteers (mean ± SD age: 71 ± 5.86 years) in a convenience sampling among older adults in public parks in Nowshahr, Iran. We randomly allocated them into experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. A validated instrument was used to measure well-being and happiness [Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI)]. Respondents were asked to complete the OHI before and 2 months after implementing PEP. The 8-week PEP was implemented with the intervention group. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using paired t-test, Fisher's exact test and χ(2). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the happiness mean score between the case and control groups; however, after implementing PEP, happiness significantly improved among the experimental group (P = 0.001) and did not improve within the control group (P = 0.79). It can be concluded that PEP had positive effects on happiness among older adults. Planning and implementing of physical activity is so important for older happiness.

The impact of web-based HOT (Healthy Outcomes for Teens) Project on risk for type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The HOT (Healthy Outcome for Teens) Project is an innovative online educational intervention for middle school children for prevention of diabetes and obesity by balancing food intake with physical activity. The objective was to improve knowledge, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and self-reported food intake and skills and to compare a passive online learning (POL) control group with an active online learning (AOL) treatment group by implementing a social cognitive theory (SCT)-grounded online intervention.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 214 participants were recruited from three middle schools. Full data were secured for 181 students. Six valid, reliable questionnaires were administered online, pre/post, to both the AOL and POL groups to assess knowledge gain, self-reported intake, and meal planning skills, as well as change in SCT constructs.

RESULTS

Subjects in the AOL group improved significantly for all five categories of planning a meal questionnaire (P=0.001) and also for outcome expectations for exercise (P=0.001). At postintervention, no significant differences were found for composite scores of exercise self-efficacy, weight efficacy lifestyle, and rapid eating assessment plan questionnaires between AOL versus POL (by Mann-Whitney test).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that teens participating in the AOL version of the HOT Project intervention acquired skills for planning a meal and improved outcome expectations for exercise.

Social cognitive theory and physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This review investigated three research questions (i) What is the utility of social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain physical activity (PA)?; (ii) Is the effectiveness of SCT moderated by sample or methodological characteristics? and (iii) What is the frequency of significant associations between the core SCT constructs and PA? Ten electronic databases were searched with no date or sample restrictions. Forty-four studies were retrieved containing 55 SCT models of PA. Methodological quality was assessed using a standardized tool. A random-effects meta-analysis revealed that SCT accounted for 31% of the variance in PA. However, methodological quality was mostly poor for these models. Methodological quality and sample age moderated the PA effect size, with increases in both associated with greater variance explained. Although self-efficacy and goals were consistently associated with PA, outcome expectations and socio-structural factors were not. This review determined that SCT is a useful framework to explain PA behaviour. Higher quality models explained more PA variance, but overall methodological quality was poor. As such, high-quality studies examining the utility of SCT to explain PA are warranted.

Physical activity and social support in adolescents: a systematic review

The objective of this review was to systematically synthesize the results of original studies on the association between physical activity and social support in adolescents, published until April 2011. Searches were carried out in Adolec, Eric, Lilacs, Medline, SciELO, Scopus, SportsDiscus and Web of Science electronic databases and the reference lists of selected articles. Searches for articles, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality were conducted independently by two reviewers. In total, 75 articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Most studies were published over the past 6 years (2006-11), conducted in high-income countries, with a cross-sectional design, using subjective measures of physical activity (e.g. questionnaires and recall) and exhibited medium to high methodological quality level. Social support was positive and consistently associated with the physical activity level of adolescents in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Those who received more overall social support as well as support from both parents, friends and family showed higher levels of physical activity. It is concluded that social support is an important factor associated with physical activity level in adolescents and should be targeted in intervention programs that aim to increase physical activity levels in this population group.

Physical activity, psychosocial and perceived environmental factors in adolescents from Northeast Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between levels of physical activity, psychosocial and perceived environmental factors in adolescents from Northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was conducted with 2,859 adolescents enrolled in secondary schools (57.8% females; mean = 16.5 years; SD = 1.2) in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Brazil. The following physical activity correlates were measured: attitude, self-efficacy, social support from friends and parents, and perceived environmental characteristics. Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds model analysis showed that the following factors are positively related to physical activity levels in adolescents: attitude, self-efficacy, as well as social support from parents and friends. Physical activity intervention programs should increase self-efficacy and social support from parents and friends, as well as a positive attitude toward physical activity.

Reliability and validity of a physical activity social support assessment scale in adolescents--ASAFA Scale

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reliability and validity of a scale used to measure social support for physical activity in adolescents - ASAFA Scale.

METHODS

This study included 2,755 adolescents (57.6% girls, 16.5 ± 1.2 years of age), from Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. Initially, the scale was consisted of 12 items (6 for social support from parents and 6 from friends). The reliability of the scale was estimated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α), by the Composite Reliability (CR), and by the model with two factors and factorial invariance by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) adequacy.

RESULTS

The CFA results confirmed that the social support scale contained two factors (factor 1: social support from parents; factor 2: social support from friends) with five items each (one item was excluded from each scale), all with high factor loadings (> 0.65) and acceptable adjustment indexes (RMR = 0.050; RMSEA = 0.063; 90%CI: 0.060 - 0.067); AGFI = 0.903; GFI = 0.940; CFI = 0.934, NNFI = 0.932). The internal consistency was satisfactory (parents: α ≥ 0.77 and CR ≥ 0.83; friends: α ≥ 0.87 and CR ≥ 0.91). The scale's factorial invariance was confirmed (p > 0.05; Δχ2 and ΔCFI ≤ 0.01) across all subgroups analyzed (gender, age, economic class). The construct validity was evidenced by the significant association (p < 0.05) between the adolescents physical activity level and the social support score of parents (rho = 0.29) and friends (rho = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

The scale showed reliability, factorial invariance and satisfactory validity, so it can be used in studies with adolescents.

Perceived environmental characteristics and psychosocial factors associated with physical activity levels in adolescents from Northeast Brazil: structural equation modelling analysis

This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect associations between perceived environmental characteristics and psychosocial factors and physical activity levels in adolescents from Northeast Brazil. The sample was composed of 2,361 adolescents aged 14-19 years (56.6% female). Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire and environmental (perceived environmental characteristics) and psychosocial (self-efficacy, social support from parents and friends for physical activity) factors with previously validated scales. Perceived environmental characteristics were not directly associated with the levels of physical activity, but exhibited significant indirect associations, mediated by self-efficacy in males. Self-efficacy and social support were positively and directly associated with physical activity levels, and part of the associations between social support and physical activity was mediated by self-efficacy. Perception of self-efficacy and social support, important factors associated with physical activity levels in adolescents, should be the target of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity. Favorable environments for physical activity also need to be considered, since they have a positive influence on the self-efficacy of adolescents.

Testing social-cognitive theory to explain physical activity change in adolescent girls from low-income communities

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesized structural paths in Bandura's social-cognitive theory (SCT) model on adolescent girls' physical activity following a 12-month physical activity and dietary intervention to prevent obesity.

METHOD

We conducted a 12-month follow-up study of 235 adolescent girls (M(age) = 13.2 years, SD = 0.4) from 12 secondary schools located in low-income communities. At baseline, participants completed SCT scales related to physical activity (i.e., self-efficacy, intention, parental support, and outcome expectations). At baseline and 12-month follow-up (postintervention), participants wore accelerometers for 7 days. Structural equation modeling was used to determine if Time 1 measures predicted physical activity at 12-month follow-up after adjusting for baseline activity.

RESULTS

The model explained 28% and 34% of the variance in physical activity and intention, respectively. Model fit indexes indicated the data were a good fit to the model; however, only self-efficacy was associated with physical activity at 12 months. There was no support for intention or outcome expectations as proximal determinants of behavior. Self-efficacy was associated with outcome expectations and parental support; however, only outcome expectations predicted intention.

CONCLUSIONS

Current findings indicate a large proportion of the variance for physical activity and intention remains unexplained and that the proposed pathways in the SCT model were not fully supported. Future model testing may need to consider augmentation or integration of theoretical models, which may include ecological components if we are to advance our understanding of physical activity behavior in this subgroup of the adolescent population.

Influence of friends on children's physical activity: a review

We examined evidence for friendship influences on children's physical activity (PA) through systematic searches of online databases in May 2012. We identified 106 studies (25 qualitative) published in English since 2000 that analyzed indicators of friendship influences (e.g., communication about PA, friends' PA, and PA with friends) among persons younger than 19 years. Children's PA was positively associated with encouragement from friends (43 of 55 studies indicating a positive relationship), friends' own PA (30/35), and engagement with friends in PA (9/10). These findings are consistent with friends influencing PA, but most studies did not isolate influence from other factors that could explain similarity. Understanding friendship influences in childhood can facilitate the promotion of lifelong healthy habits. PA with friends should be considered in health promotion programs.

Social cognitive theories used to explain physical activity behavior in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically review and examine the explanatory power of key social-cognitive theories used to explain physical activity (PA) intention and behavior, among adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the electronic databases Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SPORTdiscus, EBSCO and Education Resources Information Center, Proquest Education Journals Collection, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus for social-cognitive theories (i.e., Health Promotion Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Theory of Reasoned Action, Protection Motivation Theory, Social Cognitive Theory/Self-Efficacy Theory, Health Belief Model, Self-Determination Theory, Transtheoretical Model) used to explain PA intention and behavior. Related keywords in titles, abstracts, or indexing fields were searched.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were retained for data extraction and analysis; 16 were cross-sectional studies and seven were longitudinal studies. Most studies employed self-report measures. In general, the models explained greater proportions of variance for intention compared to behavior. The meta-analyses revealed 33% and 48% of the variance respectively for PA and intention were explained by social cognitive models.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies have tested the predictive capacity of social cognitive theories to explain objectively measured PA. The majority of PA variance remains unexplained and more theoretical research is needed.

Personal, behavioral, and socio-environmental correlates of physical activity among adolescent girls: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) declines sharply and rapidly during adolescence, especially among girls, posing a risk for inactivity and obesity in adulthood. This study identified personal, behavioral, and socioenvironmental correlates of concurrent and 6-month longitudinal PA among adolescent girls.

METHODS

Data were gathered from 356 adolescent girls (mean age 15.8 ± 1.2 years; > 75% racial/ethnic minorities) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in 2007-2009. Linear regression analyses controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and school were conducted predicting baseline and follow-up levels of total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) assessed via 3-Day Physical Activity Recall. Models were fit for each correlate individually and for all correlates together, mutually adjusted.

RESULTS

For concurrent PA, significant positive predictors when adjusting for the influence of all other variables included self-efficacy, support from friends and teachers, and friends' PA. Total screen time and distance from school to PA resources related inversely to concurrent PA. In mutually-adjusted models, 6-month PA was positively related to self-worth, family support, and parent PA and inversely related to total screen time.

CONCLUSIONS

PA interventions with adolescent girls might be enhanced by involving adolescents' social networks and also by helping adolescents feel better about their self-worth and athletic abilities.

Human-animal interaction: a concept analysis

PURPOSE

A concept analysis was performed on human-animal interaction (HAI).

DATA SOURCE

Nursing, psychology, and behavioral sciences literature.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Uses and definitions associated with HAI were used to articulate the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Model, borderline, and contrary cases were developed.

CONCLUSIONS

HAI is operationally defined.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Including HAI as a health promotion behavior, within a theoretical framework, appears to be a promising intervention and may be linked to physical activity.

Contribution of individual and environmental factors to physical activity level among Spanish adults

Background

Lack of physical activity (PA) is a major risk for chronic disease and obesity. The main aims of the present study were to identify individual and environmental factors independently associated with PA and examine the relative contribution of these factors to PA level in Spanish adults.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A population-based cross-sectional sample of 3,000 adults (18–75 years old) from Gran Canaria (Spain) was selected using a multistage stratified random sampling method. The participants were interviewed at home using a validated questionnaire to assess PA as well as individual and environmental factors. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. One demographic variable (education), two cognitive (self-efficacy and perceived barriers), and one social environmental (organized format) were independently associated with PA in both genders. Odds ratios ranged between 1.76–2.07 in men and 1.35–2.50 in women (both p<0.05). Individual and environmental factors explained about one-third of the variance in PA level.

Conclusions/Significance

Self-efficacy and perceived barriers were the most significant factors to meet an adequate level of PA. The risk of insufficient PA was twofold greater in men with primary or lesser studies and who are employed. In women, living in rural environments increased the risk of insufficient PA. The promotion of organized PA may be an efficient way to increase the level of PA in the general population. Improvement in the access to sport facilities and places for PA is a prerequisite that may be insufficient and should be combined with strategies to improve self-efficacy and overcome perceived barriers in adulthood.

Development and validation of a questionnaire measuring factors associated with physical activity in adolescents

OBJECTIVES: to develop a questionnaire to measure factors associated with physical activity (PA) in adolescents and analyze its reliability and validity. METHODS: a total of 248 adolescents from 14 to 19 years old took part in this study. The factors associated with PA measured were: attitude, self-efficacy, social support of PA and perceived environment. Cronbach's alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to test reliability, and exploratory factor analysis to evaluate validity. RESULTS: attitude was measured as a single factor (attitude: α=0.76, ICC=0.89); self-efficacy consisted of two factors: resources for PA (α=0.76, ICC=0.75) and social support and motives for engaging in PA (α=0.76, ICC=0.67); social support was measured as two factors: support for PA from friends (α=0.90, ICC=0.89) and support for PA from parents (α= 0.81, ICC=0.91); and the environment was measured as three factors: access to and attractiveness of places to engage in PA (α=0.69, ICC=0.82), security/safety when engaging in PA (α=0.73, ICC=0.67), and general infrastructure of the neighborhood (α=0.70, ICC=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: the questionnaire exhibited satisfactory validity and reliability and can be recommended for studies investigating adolescents.