CAUSAL LINKS AMONG DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL

Abstract

1035 Numerous studies have examined the determinants of physical activity in children but few studies have tested causal links among the various determinants. The purpose of this study was to test a model of activity promotion developed specifically for children. The model included constructs from social cognitive theory and competence motivation theory but specified links between various determinants based on extant research with children. To test the model, 673 3rd -6th grade children (340 boys and 333 girls) from 3 schools and varying ethnic backgrounds completed surveys assessing each component of the model. Physical activity (PA) was assessed with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (Crocker et al, 1996). Determinants were assessed with scales from the Child and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (Eklund et al., 1997), the Children's Attraction to Physical Activity (CAPA) scale (Brustad, 1993) and additional scales addressing parental reinforcement and access to facilities, equipment, and programs. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the utility of the model. With small, theoretically sound modifications based on the Lagrange multiplier and Wald tests, the model provided a good fit to the data [CFI=.97; NFI =.94, NNFI =.96 and chi-square = 143 (df=80)]. Overall, the model predicted 43% of the variance in PA. Of particular note is the fact that parental reinforcement had both direct and indirect (through perceptions of competence) effects on a child's interest and participation in PA. This model offers promise for additional research on the promotion of PA in children.