Do Socialization Tactics Used By College Students Predict Perceived Social Support For Physical Activities Among University Students After COVID 19?

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social support and socialization tactics in university students' participation in physical activity (PA) and also evaluates these interactions after the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants of the study consisted of university students between the ages of 18-27. Personal information form, social support scale for physical activity and socialization tactics scale were used in the study. The data of 291 participants were included in the study. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS 22. According to the findings of the study, it was determined that gender, athlete background and educational tactics were associated with parental support for PA (F(9,274)=4.292, p=0.000, adj R2=0.12). There was a association of peer support and having an athletic background with using educational tactics and participating in socialization processes with social tactics (F(9,274)=7.903, p=0.000, adj R2=0.21). The research findings revealed that the increase in parental and peer social support in physical activity participation is realized with the effect of sportive background and educational tactics. Since educational tactics play a decisive role, organizing the campus environment in a way that encourages physical activity participation may have a significant effect on the perception of peer social support. The research shows that sporting background, educational tactics and campus environment are effective for increasing participation in physical activity. Therefore, educators and campus administrators should develop various strategies to support university students' physical activity habits.