title: Peer influence on children's physical activity: an experience sampling study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective was to examine the associations between social context (the presence of peers, friends, and family members) and physical activity intensity for overweight and lean girls and boys.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants for this study included 10 boys (M = 13.4 years; SD = .8) and 10 girls (M = 13.8 years; SD =. 8). Twelve participants were between the 15th and the 85th BMI percentile (eight girls, four boys) and eight youth were at or above the 85th BMI percentile (six boys, two girls). Participants reported on their activity intensity and whether the activity was solitary or with others for seven consecutive days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children were more likely to report more intense physical activity when in the company of peers or close friends. Overweight children reported greater physical activity when in the presence of peers than did lean children; however, overweight children also reported more time spent alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, findings highlight the importance of considering peer relationships in studies of physical activity and childhood "obesity".
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Farber Hall, NY 14214-3000, USA. ssalvy@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Sarah-Jeanne
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Salvy
authors.forename: Julie Wojslawowicz
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bowker
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Roemmich
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kieffer
authors.forename: Rocco
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paluch
authors.forename: Leonard H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Epstein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010379:Peer Group; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment