B. Watkins
Apr 1, 1992
Citations
1
Influential Citations
3
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which youth at Grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 believed that frequent physical activity resulted in various physical and psychological outcomes. Youth at all four ages believed that frequent activity resulted in beneficial physical outcomes. Younger respondents were more likely to affirm external physical outcomes than either internal physiological or psychological outcomes. Older adolescents were more likely than children to affirm internal physiological outcomes. In contrast to prediction, adolescents were less likely than children to affirm psychological outcomes. The study also assessed beliefs about the effect of various harmful behaviors (e.g., smoking, drug use, lack of exercise) on physical fitness and ability. Abusive behaviors (e.g., smoking, drinking) were judged to be more harmful to physical ability than were sedentary behaviors (e.g., not exercising). Exercise and physical activity are important components of childhood, and are thought to be beneficial to both the physical health and psychological well-being of the developing individual (Haskell, Montoye, & Orenstein, 1985). There is also evidence that amount of physical activity in childhood is related to both physical-activity level and health during adulthood (Dennison, Straus, Mellits, & Charney, 1988; Powell & Dysinger, 1987). The preschool and elementary years provide ample opportunities for children to engage in unstructured physical activities, either alone or with peers (e.g., walking, running, bicycle riding, swimming). Many children--both boys and girls--also participate in organized athletic activities during the elementary-school years and beyond. There are multiple motives for participating in sports and physical activity during childhood and adolescence, including enjoyment, opportunity for social interactions, enhancement of self-esteem, and peer or parental pressures. The beneficial impact of activity on health and fitness is a possible reason for participation as well. It is likely that this reason becomes more important with age: Anticipated health-related benefits have been shown to be related to adult parI thank the cooperating 3rd-, 6th-, 9th-, and 12th-grade teachers at Haisley, Lawton, Northside,