Pathways linking perceived athletic competence and parental support at age 9 years to girls' physical activity at age 11 years.
Girls' perceived athletic competence and parental support of physical activity across the ages of 9 to 11 years were examined as predictors of girls' physical activity at age 11 years. Participants were 174 girls and their mothers and fathers who completed questionnaires when the girls were ages 9 and 11 years. Two alternative temporal pathways linking perceived competence, parental support, and physical activity were assessed using path analysis. Results provided evidence for the child elicitation pathway; higher perceived competence at the age of 9 years predicted higher parental support at age 11 years, which, in turn, predicted higher physical activity among girls. Findings highlight the importance of encouraging parents to make a special effort to support physical activity among girls who do not perceive themselves as being athletically competent.
Davison
Kirsten Krahnstoever
KK
Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer 12144, USA. kdavison@albany.edu
Downs
Danielle Symons
DS
Birch
Leann L
LL
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States