Physical Activity Parenting Measurement and Research: Challenges, Explanations, and Solutions

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) parenting research has proliferated over the past decade, with findings verifying the influential role that parents play in children's emerging PA behaviors. This knowledge, however, has not translated into effective family-based PA interventions. During a preconference workshop to the 2012 International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity annual meeting, a PA parenting workgroup met to: (1) Discuss challenges in PA parenting research that may limit its translation, (2) identify explanations or reasons for such challenges, and (3) recommend strategies for future research. Challenges discussed by the workgroup included a proliferation of disconnected and inconsistently measured constructs, a limited understanding of the dimensions of PA parenting, and a narrow conceptualization of hypothesized moderators of the relationship between PA parenting and child PA. Potential reasons for such challenges emphasized by the group included a disinclination to employ theory when developing measures and examining predictors and outcomes of PA parenting as well as a lack of agreed-upon measurement standards. Suggested solutions focused on the need to link PA parenting research with general parenting research, define and adopt rigorous standards of measurement, and identify new methods to assess PA parenting. As an initial step toward implementing these recommendations, the workgroup developed a conceptual model that: (1) Integrates parenting dimensions from the general parenting literature into the conceptualization of PA parenting, (2) draws on behavioral and developmental theory, and (3) emphasizes areas which have been neglected to date including precursors to PA parenting and effect modifiers.

A cross-sectional study of the relationship between parents’ and children’s physical activity

“…Though this relationship is often described as parental “modeling” or observational learning [4], it is likely due to many factors including genetics, co-activity, and parenting practices and beliefs. It is also possible that children influence their parents [2, 56]. Further, parents could influence their children through several mechanisms including children’s enjoyment, motivation, perceived competence, and/or self-efficacy for PA [2].…”

“…Undoubtedly, parents play a key role in the development of their children’s health behaviors. For instance, the Integrated Model of Physical Activity Parenting (IMPAP) describes how parents’ attributes and parenting practices influence their children’s PA attributes and outcomes [2]. The literature to date has focused largely on two parent attributes: parental support for PA and parental PA (often described as parental modeling of PA).…”

“…Examining moderators (e.g., education, income) is important because it can provide information about whom and under what circumstances specific interventions may be effective [2, 25]. Thus, testing a number of potential moderators of the parent–child PA relationship could provide important insights into whether family-based interventions will be effective for everyone or more effective for specific subgroups.…”

Stimulating Innovations in the Measurement of Parenting Constructs

“…This article is part of a larger supplement on this topic, and recommendations for the field are published in other articles that are part of this supplement. [20][21][22][23] The extent to which certain areas might be more worthwhile to explore than others remains unknown. To help researchers move the field forward in each of the areas discussed, Table 1 lists strategies that may be employed or studies that may be conducted to address each of the areas brought forward in this article.…”

“…This article aims to stimulate innovations in the measurement of parenting by briefly discussing approaches that may be used; however, those interested in recommendations for the field should consult other articles published within this supplement. [20][21][22][23] Potential Solutions for Improving Parenting Assessment…”