Abstract
Physical inactivity continues to be a major concern in the lives of youth. It is possible that participation in high school sport might contribute to enhancing self-efficacy which, in turn, would positively influence physical activity levels. In this study, the association between physical activity participation and self-efficacy for physical activity was measured in adolescent males from a private high school in Canada. Also, the possibility that self-efficacy levels differed between school sport participants and non-school sport participants was explored. The results of the Spearman's p test showed a moderate positive, and significant correlation between the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Self-Efficacy for Daily Physical Activity Questionnaire (SEPAQ) scores, r(113) = .571, p .05. Interestingly, PAQ-A scores and school sport participation explained a significant proportion of variance in SEPAQ scores, R^2= 0.33, F (2, 112) = 27.11, p < .001. Results from this study support previous research regarding the positive connection between physical activity and self-efficacy. These results also suggest that small increases in physical activity, whether through school sport or physical education, may influence not only physical health but psychological health for youth. Implications for male participation in physical activity are discussed along with ideas for increasing self-efficacy within the physical education context.
Highlights
Research has shown that a physically active lifestyle leads to good health, and that physically active people live longer and healthier lives [1] [2]
The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) score was an appropriate main IV for a multiple regression because it is a continuous variable, this study explored the possibility that sport participation added to the relationship and/or predictability of scores in self-efficacy for physical activity
It was found that physical activity significantly predicted variability in physical activity self-efficacy among high school males
Summary
Research has shown that a physically active lifestyle leads to good health, and that physically active people live longer and healthier lives [1] [2]. One Canadian province has developed a physical education/health curriculum for high school students [8] Another avenue available for high school adolescents to be active is participating in school sport. Participation in school sport has been found to serve a protective role in later life (i.e., early adulthood) against depression symptoms and perceived stress and enhances self-rated mental health [10]. This context of physical activity (i.e., sport participation) is an important element to consider in the adolescent experience
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