Relationship of Physical Activity Self-Efficacy and Psycho behavioral Characteristics of Overweight and Obese African American Children

Abstract

Objectives: The relationship of Physical Activity Self-Efficacy (PASE) to psychobehavioral characteristics of overweight and obese African American children from an inner city area has been understudied, making it difficult to know whether effective interventions should include a broad or more focused approach. Therefore, we hypothesized that children’s self-reported self-efficacy toward physical activity would be related to more favorable scores on childreport and parent-report Behavioral Assessment for Children, 2nd edition (BASC-2). Methods: A secondary analysis was performed in a sample of 125 children ages 9-11 yr participating in a community-based, type 2 diabetes prevention program. Self-efficacy toward physical activity was assessed using the Children’s Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) questionnaire. Behavioral measures were obtained from children and caregivers using the BASC-2. Results: Hierarchical multiple linear regression models showed that for the child-report BASC variables, all 20 associations examined were statistically significant at p<0.05. Whereas, for the parent-report BASC variables, results show that none of the 44 associations examined was significant. Conclusion: Based on the strong association between physical activity self-efficacy and child-reported psychobehavioral characteristics, we conclude that positive change in the child’s perception of his/her basic behavioral and social characteristics may increase self-efficacy and, thus, effectiveness of physical activity interventions.