Associations between Psychosocial Variables, Availability of Physical Activity Resources in Neighborhood Environment, and Out-of-School Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between psychosocial variables (peer support, parental support, autonomous motivation, and controlled motivation), availability of physical activity resources in a neighborhood environment, and out-of-school moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Chinese adolescents. The questionnaire of Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study was used to collect information on demographics, socioeconomic status, psychosocial variables, available physical activity resources in the neighborhood environment, and minutes of out-of-school MVPA. ANOVA analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed. The mean age of the 3833 adolescents included in our analysis was 14.7 years old (SD = 1.7). Peer support (b = 9.35, 95% CI: 7.55–11.15), autonomous motivation (b = 6.46, 95% CI: 4.09–8.82), parental support (b = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.75–6.07), and availability of physical activity resources in neighborhood environment (b = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.99–4.36) were significantly associated with out-of-school MVPA (p < 0.05). Controlled motivation was insignificantly related to minutes of out-of-school MVPA. Boys spent more time on out-of-school MVPA than girls (p < 0.001) and had a high level of peer support, parental support, and motivation (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that interventions targeting the out-of-school MVPA among Chinese adolescents should focus on the psychosocial variables and neighborhood environment.

Associations between socioeconomic status and physical activity: A cross-sectional analysis of Chinese children and adolescents

“…Low SES families are more concerned about the safety of their neighbors and have fewer physical activity resources available ( Estabrooks et al, 2003 ). However, high SES families are more likely to be a convenient play spaces, good sports equipment, and the easy availability of transportation to sports, and more likely to receive encouragement and support from peers ( Qiu et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, families with higher family wealth can provide more sufficient funds for their children on weekends and even set an example for their children to participate in sports ( Mo et al, 2005 ).…”

“…It seems possible that the difference of fathers’ education level may be related to their different attitudes and expectations toward their children’s participation in PA ( Schuz et al, 2017 ). The possible reason for the gender difference is that boys may highly enjoy participating in physical activities and games ( Seabra et al, 2013a ) and perceive themselves as more physically competent than girls ( Qiu et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, fathers may be more restrictive for vigorous PA in girls than in boys due to cultural conservations ( Gustafson and Rhodes, 2006 ).…”

“…Students’ autonomy is improved, and the time spent with their parents is limited. During this period, the impact of parents is relatively weak ( Konharn et al, 2013 ), and more of it comes from the influence of school and peers( Hong et al, 2020 ; Qiu et al, 2021 ). The FAS and the mother’s academic qualifications still have a significant impact on the PA of high school students.…”

Parental Support Is Associated with Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescents through the Availability of Physical Activity Resources in the Home Environment and Autonomous Motivation

“…The home environment (i.e., the availability of PA resources) was also correlated with autonomous motivation, suggesting that the home environment may influence autonomous motivation for MVPA. A previous study demonstrated that high school girls did not engage in out-of-school MVPA in the neighborhood environment [ 45 ]. Thus, the home environment might be especially poignant for girls.…”

Perceived Parental Attitudes Are Indirectly Associated with Consumption of Junk Foods and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Chinese Adolescents through Home Food Environment and Autonomous Motivation: A Path Analysis

“…One’s environment can influence personal food intake [ 14 ]. Parents play a critical role for the physical and psychosocial environment of their children [ 15 , 16 ]. Parents can affect their children’s eating patterns through their attitudes, behaviors, and feeding styles [ 17 ].…”