title: Social cognitive theory variables associated with physical activity among high school students.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the relationships between Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) variables and frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity in a sample of high school students. Days of moderate and vigorous physical activity were assessed using a previously validated one-day recall instrument administered on seven consecutive days. The SCT variables tested were: self-regulation, social situation, social outcome expectations, physical appearance outcome expectations, general health outcome expectations, negative outcome expectations, self-efficacy for ability, and self-efficacy for barriers. The SCT variables studied are potentially modifiable via educational interventions. Results revealed that 15 % of the subjects reported 3 or more days of physical activity. Four of the SCT were retained in the regression model accounting for 31 % of the variance in days or moderate-vigorous physical activity. SCT is useful for understanding frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity among adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion and Exercise Behavior, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Petosa.1@osu.edu
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Petosa
authors.forename: B V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Hortz
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cardina
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Suminski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011594:Psychometrics; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students