MOTIVATING GIRLS TO MOVE: PREADOLESCENT FEMALES' PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LIVES.

PRETEENS; PHYSICAL activity; TEAM sports; TEACHERS; SOCIAL influence

This article examines four preadolescent girls' physical lives over three years inside and outside of schools (fourth, fifth, and sixth grades). The girls participated in a school-based physical education intervention during the first two years that was designed to enhance their physical activity (PA) choices in both environments. At the conclusion of each year, the girls were interviewed about their activities and attitudes about PA. Results showed varying commitments to a variety of activities including team sports, individual activities, and fitness challenges. Although their attitudes varied across the three years, each experienced a variety of social influences relative to their levels of participation. Most importantly was the support of family, friends, and teachers. In addition, they identified motivating environmental influences such as home equipment, local clubs and classes, and local recreation programs. Barriers included lack of skill or fitness levels, team competition, dislike for fragmented skill practice, lack of support, and fear of unsafe environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Education is the property of Project Innovation Austin LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)