Applying Social Cognitive Theory in Predicting Physical Activity Among Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study With Multigroup Structural Equation Model.

Jianxiu Liu,Dizhi Wang,Borui Shang,Yao Zhang,Muchuan Zeng,Xindong Ma

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695241

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the applicability of social cognitive determinants among the Chinese adolescents and examine whether the predictability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) model on physical activity (PA) differs across gender (boys and girls) and urbanization (urban and suburban). A total of 3,000 Chinese adolescents ranging between the ages of 12–15 years were randomly selected to complete a set of questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to investigate the relationships between social cognitive variables and PA in the urbanization and gender subgroups. The overall model explained 38.9% of the variance in PA. Fit indices indicated that the structural model of SCT was good: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.047, (root mean square residual) RMR = 0.028, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.974, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.960, Tucker–Lewis coefficient (TLI) = 0.971, and comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.978. Regarding the subgroup analysis, social support (critical ratios [CRs] = 2.118; p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in suburban areas than that in urban areas, whereas self-regulation (CRs = −2.896, p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in urban areas than in suburban areas. The results indicate that the SCT model predicts the PA of Chinese adolescents substantially. An SCT model could apply over a range of subgroups to predict the PA behavior and should be considered comprehensively when designing interventions. These findings would benefit PA among the Chinese adolescents, especially across genders and urbanization.

Highlights

Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for the health of adolescents, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health problems and improves cognitive health indicators (Kruk, 2007; Lipnowski et al, 2012; Poitras et al, 2016)
This study investigated the predictability of social cognitive theory (SCT) among the Chinese adolescents
The findings indicate that the SCT model applies to various subgroups and should be considered comprehensively

Summary

Introduction

Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for the health of adolescents, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health problems and improves cognitive health indicators (Kruk, 2007; Lipnowski et al, 2012; Poitras et al, 2016). Despite the considerable evidence showing the benefits of PA, 80.3% of adolescents (13–15 years old) failed to meet the recommendation. Physical inactivity among adolescents is widespread worldwide (Sisson et al, 2010; Patnode et al, 2011). In 2016, adolescents aged 11–17 years had a prevalence of physical inactivity of 81.0% (77.6% of boys and 84.7% of girls) globally (Guthold et al, 2020). According to a 2017 survey in China, only 34.1% of children and adolescents met the recommendation of 60 min or more of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per day (Zhu et al, 2019). Evidence indicates that the habits of PA behavior established in adolescence are likely to track into adulthood (Patnode et al, 2011; Hayes et al, 2019). Engaging in PA during this period is important for the whole life span of the individual

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion