Youth perceptions of how neighborhood physical environment and peers affect physical activity: a focus group study

Abstract

ObjectiveThere is need for a youth-informed conceptualization of how environmental and social neighborhood contexts influence physical activity. We assessed youths’ perceptions of their neighborhood physical and peer environments as affecting physical activity.MethodsThirty-three students (20 girls; ages 12-14 years) participated in focus groups about the physical environment and peers within their neighborhoods, and their understanding of how they affect physical activity.ResultsInductive analysis identified themes of access (e.g., to equipment); aesthetics; physical and social safety; peer proximity and behavior (e.g., bullying); adult support or interference; and adult boundary setting. Participants also identified interconnections among themes, such as traffic shaping parent boundary setting and, in turn, access to physical spaces and peers.ConclusionsYoung adolescents view neighborhoods in ways similar to and different from adults. Examining physical and social environments in tandem, while mindful of how adults shape and youth perceive these environments, may enhance understanding of youth physical activity behavior.

Social and Physical Environmental Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Physical Activity in Urban Public Open Spaces: A Qualitative Study Using Walk-Along Interviews

“…The presence of other adolescents and friends encouraged POS visitation and physical activity. This was also found in previous studies with younger adolescents in the US (9–13 years and 12–14 years old [ 65 , 66 ]). Consistent with previous literature, the presence of other adolescents and friends and family who are physically active in a POS encouraged adolescents to be active in POS themselves [ 40 , 67 ].…”

Níveis insuficientes de atividade física de adolescentes associados a fatores sociodemográficos, ambientais e escolares

“…Devido a urbanização e o crescimento acelerado das grandes cidades, observa-se o aumento do comportamento inativo do adolescente justificado pela maior opção de atividades sedentárias 36 . Além disso, os facilitadores para a atividade física, como segurança, conforto, acessibilidade e confiança ao seu redor 37 possivelmente são encontrados em cidade com menor número de habitantes.…”

Auditing the socio-environmental determinants of motivation towards physical activity or sedentariness in work-aged adults: a qualitative study

“…By generating a list of the raw ingredients in adults’ social-motivational eco-system, this study informs future research that seeks to motivate physical activity and reduce sedentariness. Additionally, while valuable findings this area have come from focusing on the social influences of specific social agents (e.g., parents [ 75 ], grandparents [ 76 ], physical environment [ 77 , 78 ]), there may be additional insight available from examining concurrent motivational influences. By studying multiple sources-of-influence concurrently, it becomes possible to identify interactions, co-dependencies and recurring themes.…”