Influence of Marriage and Parenthood on Physical Activity: A 2-Year Prospective Analysis

Abstract

Background-Physical activity (PA) tends to decrease from adolescence to young adulthood, and factors that have been proposed to contribute to this decrease are life transitions. The focus of this study is to examine life transitions, such as marriage and parenthood, and the impact they may have on the physical activity levels of young adults.

Health-Risk Behaviour of Women and Men—Differences According to Partnership and Parenthood. Results of the German Health Update (GEDA) Survey 2009–2010

“…A similar argument was given by Burton and Turrell (2000), who concluded that in general, the physical activity of men and women is different and that parenthood may have a greater effect on physical activity in mothers than on fathers. Interestingly, other studies have shown a reduction in physical activity in mothers, especially in mothers of young children (Candelaria et al 2012;Hull et al 2010). These contradictory results may have been related to differences in the definition of physical activity (as opposed to sporting activity) and the methods used to measure physical activity.…”

“…Social control in particular seems to be an important determinant of health behaviour, affecting health behaviours directly (e.g., sanctions for deviant behaviour, regulation, and physical intervention) and indirectly (e.g., internalisation of norms of healthful behaviour and facilitation of positive health behaviours) (Umberson 1987). There may also be mechanisms by which having a partner and living with children could lead to a decrease in healthy behaviour (e.g., stress caused by combined social roles, social and domestic responsibilities, increased demands on time, or discord in the relationship) (Brown et al 2009;Eng et al 2005;Hull et al 2010;Nomaguchi and Bianchi 2004). A transition to divorce or widowhood could also be detrimental to health because of the loss of social control or social support provided by a partner.…”

An Examination of the Influences on Active Commuting among a Sample of Parents

“…There have been significant findings relating age-specific life transitions to changes in PA levels [3,4,5]. When focusing on PA changes in women, it has been observed that PA levels decreased significantly after marriage and childbirth, and as women aged and their health declined [6,7,8,9].…”

Prevalence of Physical Activity, and Perceived Barriers Among 6th Year Medical Studentsat in Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, in 2016.

“…Hull et al (65) noted that physical activity tends to decrease as young adults age from 24 to 26 years old. Nevertheless, the marriage did not significantly change physical activity.…”