ERIC Number: EJ825186
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-3244
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Race and Sex Differences in College Student Physical Activity Correlates
McArthur, Laura H.; Raedeke, Thomas D.
American Journal of Health Behavior, v33 n1 p80-90 Jan-Feb 2009
Objectives: To assess sex/race differences on psychosocial correlates of physical activity among college students. Methods: Survey research protocol. Results: Students (n = 636) exercised an average of 3.5 days per week, with black females being the least active. Across subgroups, health/fitness was rated as the most important motive for exercise, followed by appearance and mental health. Of the correlates, enjoyment and the use of self-management strategies were most strongly associated with activity level. Only 40% were aware that adults should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days (i.e., 5) of the week for health benefits. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of teaching self-management skills and fostering exercise enjoyment in health promotion programs for college students.
Descriptors: College Students, Physical Activities, Health Promotion, Physical Activity Level, Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Correlation, African American Students, White Students, Physical Fitness, Health Behavior, Mental Health, Physical Health, Student Motivation, Psychological Patterns, Self Management
PNG Publications. P.O. Box 4593, Star City, WV 26504-4593. Tel: 304-293-6988; Fax: 304-594-0570; Web site: http://www.ajhb.org/subscription.htm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A