Summer Friends and Physical Activity: Social Network Effects on Child Self-Reported Physical Activity at Summer Care Programs

Prochnow, Tyler; Patterson, Megan S.; Hamilton, Christina N. Bridges; Meyer, M. Renée Umstattd

doi:10.1177/10901981221076399

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 37 publications

(61 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Exponential Random Graph Models help determine factors associated with the presence of friendship connections between adolescents in the networks at each independent time point [ 50 ]. Specifically, this could detail whether PA was associated with tie presence [ 51 ]. Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model can determine significant factors in formation or maintenance of ties over time [ 52 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model can determine significant factors in formation or maintenance of ties over time [ 52 ]. This modeling procedure could determine if adolescents with higher PA are more likely to form and/or maintain connections over time [ 51 ]. Linear Network Autocorrelation Models determine significant associations between individual PA and the PA of one’s connections in the network controlling for other factors [ 53 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

Prochnow

Patterson

Meyer

et al. 2022

IJERPH

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Adolescent physical activity (PA) is significantly impacted by peer behaviors through peer influence, peer selection, and popularity. However, the scales for these social constructs may not fully capture the detailed social networks and mechanisms responsible for PA behavior changes. This level of detail and granularity can be quantified and analyzed through social network analysis (SNA). To demonstrate the variety, utility, and efficacy of SNA in adolescent PA research, this article aims to provide four case studies on the collection of social network and PA data on ethnically and racially diverse adolescents. Through case studies, this article provides tangible ways in which SNA can be used to evaluate social influences on PA behaviors. Case studies are presented on: (1) Youth Engagement in Sport—an egocentric analysis of middle school youth participation in an experiential sport program with 3- and 6-month follow-ups; (2) Summer care program networks—an egocentric and whole network longitudinal study of adolescents at summer care programs; (3) The Convoy method—a qualitative egocentric discussion activity with adolescents from colonias on the Texas-Mexico border; and (4) A father-focused, family-centered health program—an egocentric experimental analysis of children participating in a health program. Data collection procedures are listed and example surveys are provided. Descriptive analyses are included, as are recommendations on further analysis techniques for each type of network data. Using SNA, researchers can understand social contexts in a more specific manner, better positioning interventions to alter such influences.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

Prochnow

Patterson

Meyer

et al. 2022

IJERPH

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Social networks. Participants (also termed “egos” in SNA) were asked to list up to five people they interacted with most through online gaming over the past 30 days and up to five people they interacted with most in-person over the past 30 days (Prochnow et al , 2020a, Prochnow et al , 2021b, Prochnow et al , 2022b, Prochnow et al , 2020d, Prochnow et al , 2022a, Reich et al , 2012). Participants were informed that people could be used in both networks if they fit the description.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For each alter, participants identified their relationship to the alter, frequency of contact, frequency of confiding in the alter about a difficult issue, how they met the alter, how good the alter makes them feel about themselves and how close they feel to the alter. This method of collecting networks has been used previously (Prochnow et al , 2020a, Prochnow et al , 2021b, Prochnow et al , 2022b, Prochnow et al , 2020d, Prochnow et al , 2022a, Reich et al , 2012). From these questions, network composition variables related to social bridging and social bonding measures were generated for both in-person and online networks (Perry et al , 2022).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

It’s not just a game: social networks, isolation and mental health in online gamers

Prochnow,

Patterson

2024

JPMH

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose Online gaming has emerged as a popular activity providing a social outlet for millions. However, implications of online game networks for mental health remain disputed. Concepts of bridging social capital and bonding social capital may help characterize protective factors within social networks. This study aims to examine the associations between social capital derived from online versus in-person networks and mental health indicators among gamers. Design/methodology/approach Online gamers (n = 301) completed an online survey assessing their social networks (both in-person and through online gaming) and mental health indicators (depressive symptoms, anxiety, social isolation, perceived social support). Social network analysis was used to analyze bridging (network size, effective size, heterogeneity, weak ties) and bonding (closeness, frequent contact, confiding, connection quality) social capital. Separate linear regression models evaluated associations between bridging and bonding social capital for both online and in-person networks and depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support and social isolation. Findings In-person network characteristics showed the strongest associations with mental health outcomes. Greater average closeness and frequent confiding in the in-person network predicted lower isolation and fewer depressive symptoms. More diverse relationship types also correlated with lower depression. For online networks, closeness and confiding ties associated only with less isolation and greater support, not depressive symptoms, or anxiety. Originality/value While online gaming networks provide some degree of social support, in-person social capital exhibited stronger associations with mental health. This reinforces the importance of face-to-face relationships for emotional well-being. Findings suggest helping gamers cultivate close bonds offline. However, online connections still matter and should not be discounted.

show abstract

“…This social growth is vital for the social and mental health of children throughout these developmental ages, supporting self-esteem and social cohesion. Friendships created at these programs are also associated with health behaviors like physical activity (Prochnow et al , 2020c; Prochnow et al , 2020a; Prochnow et al , 2021; Prochnow et al , 2022). Moreover, quality afterschool and summer care programs have been shown to promote prosocial behavior and enhance social–emotional learning for youth (Smith et al , 2018; Devaney and Moroney, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID and the club: conversations with Boys & Girls Club leaders on providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Prochnow

Patterson²,

Meyer³

2022

JCS

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCs) provide numerous avenues for youth to connect, be physically active and have healthy meals/snacks. These services are often provided to low-income families at reduced cost to bridge the gap in after school and summer childcare. However, many of these clubs were forced to dramatically change their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine how 13 BGCs in Texas, USA, experienced COVID-19 and persevered to provide services. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with 16 BGC leaders from 13 different BGCs. Open-ended questions were used to elicit leaders’ experiences with the pandemic, services their clubs were able to offer, barriers overcome and supports crucial to their ability to serve their communities. Thematic analysis was used to generate findings from these interviews. Findings BGC services changed significantly during the pandemic. Normal activities were no longer possible; however, leaders (alongside their communities) continually provided services for their families. Further, leaders reiterated the power of the community coming together in support of their families. Social implications While BGC leaders had to adapt services, they found ways to reach families and serve their community. These adaptations can have dramatic impacts on the social and physical well-being of children in their communities. Learning from this adversity can improve services as clubs start to build back. Originality/value This study provides vital context to the changing care and setting children were exposed to during the pandemic response. Additionally, these results provide understanding of the adaptations that took place in these services.

show abstract

Summer Friends and Physical Activity: Social Network Effects on Child Self-Reported Physical Activity at Summer Care Programs

Cited by 5 publications

References 37 publications

Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

It’s not just a game: social networks, isolation and mental health in online gamers

COVID and the club: conversations with Boys & Girls Club leaders on providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About