THE DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PREFERENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF YOUNG ADULTS 592

Abstract

The physical activity perceptions and preferences of targeted subpopulations need to be described in a parsimonious way to advance physical activity promotion theory and interventions. The aim of this study was to examine whether the physical activity preferences and perceptions of young adults can be represented by dimensional spaces. Young adults (malesn=59, females n=54, age M=20.20 yrs.) judged the dissimilarity of 14 physical activities in a paired-comparison format and then ranked the activities according to preference. This procedure was replicated in a second sample with a slightly different set of 14 activities(males, n=27; females, n = 19). Sample two young adults also rated each activity on 12 physical activity determinant scales. We examined the structure of preference rankings using preference mapping techniques (PRINCALS algorithm) and the structure of dissimilarity judgments using weighted multidimensional scaling techniques (ALSCAL). For sample one, a four-dimensional space satisfactorily represented physical activity preferences (R2 =.63) and a three-dimensional interval space satisfactorily represented dissimilarity judgments (R2=.30). The results were replicated with sample two. Using property fitting techniques, we regressed the determinant ratings onto the preference and perceptual spaces. Competitive-noncompetitive, healthy-unhealthy, convenient-inconvenient, and individual-group were determinants that related to the dimensions underlying young adults' preferences for physical activity. An analysis of individual differences revealed that males preferred competitive group activities (e.g., touch football, basketball) and females preferred noncompetitive activities (e.g., aerobic dance). Activity perceptions varied along competitive-noncompetitive, high-low intensity, and individual-group dimensions. There were no sex differences in perceptions. We conclude that the physical activity perceptions and preferences of young adults can be represented by parsimonious dimensional spaces.