title: Social cognitions measured in 4 to 6 year olds are predictive of objectively measured physical activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study tested whether social cognitions from the reasoned action approach (RAA) can be reliably measured in a sample of primary school children (aged 4-6 years) and whether these RAA measures are predictive of physical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Longitudinal observational study with repeated measures over six months.
  
  
  METHODS
  RAA variables were measured using a novel choice paradigm between physically active and sedentary pastimes. Relative reinforcing value, covariates (sex, age, deprivation and BMI) and physical activity by accelerometry (primary outcome) were also measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RAA cognitions could be measured with acceptable retest reliability and discriminant validity and social norms regarding parents and teachers (but not friends) were correlated with physical activity and change in physical activity when relative reinforcing value and other covariates were controlled for.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RAA cognitions can be reliably measured in primary school children aged 4-6 and RRA measures appear useful in understanding children's activity choices and may potentially inform future interventions.
authors.affiliation: a Health Psychology Group, Institute of Health and Society, Medical Faculty , University of Newcastle , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Araújo-Soares
authors.forename: Falko F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Sniehotta
authors.forename: Christianne M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Laing
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gellert
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Speakman
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception
keywords: physical activity; primary school children; reasoned action approach