Family Environment as a Determinant of Adolescents' Participation in Physical Activity and Leisure Settings

Abstract

Family environment plays an important role across adolescents' development and their participation in physical activity. Adolescents' participation in physical activities is influenced by expectations and beliefs held by parents. Parental encouragement as well as engagement in physical activities has a significant impact on their children's participation levels. PURPOSE: The study examined adolescents' participation in physical activity and leisure settings in relation to their families' location, social class, parental income and commitment to engagement in physical activities. METHODS: The sample comprised fifty-two sixteen year old adolescents (26 boys and 26 girls) from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Semi-structured group interviews enabled participants to explore themes related to family involvement in physical activity and leisure. Data analysis was conducted using inductive and deductive analytical procedures, which involved scanning the data for categories, developing working typologies on an examination of initial cases and then modifying and refining them on the basis of subsequent cases. RESULTS: The study identified factors such as location, financial support, encouragement and motivation as determinants of adolescents' participation in physical activities. Encouragement and motivation to engage in physical activities was evident in higher socioeconomic status (SES) families compared to their lower SES counterparts. Families with high socioeconomic status (SES) addressed adolescents' physical activity involvement as part of their everyday routines in the form of transport to sporting events and local sports club or during the weekends with a whole family approach to activity. Adolescents from low SES families suggested that parental income and parental work commitment was a barrier to their participation. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that physical activity was highly valued in families from high SES compared to lower SES families. Location and income were identified as perceived barriers to adolescents' participation in physical activity for those from lower SES groups. Future interventions aiming at increasing physical activity levels in adolescents should target factors such as cost, access, income and location to reduce inequalities in participation.