Coleman Lester, Cox Louise, Roker Debi
Trust for the Study of Adolescence, 23 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1WZ, UK.
Health Educ Res. 2008 Aug;23(4):633-47. doi: 10.1093/her/cym040. Epub 2007 Sep 25.
The importance of increasing young women's level of physical activity is recognized as a priority within the United Kingdom and other Westernized nations. This study, conducted in two distinct geographical locations in the United Kingdom, explores the leading influences upon levels of physical activity participation among 75 young women aged 15-19. Through in-depth interviews, this study explores the influence of psychological and social influences, by examining contrasting accounts from those young women who 'always' and 'never' participate in sport or physical activity. The main differences lie with the always participates, relative to the never participates, reporting more positive images of 'sport', positive perceptions of their own ability, low self-consciousness, firm motivations and personal choice to engage in activities and the supporting influence of their friends and family. The study also notes the detrimental impact of life transitions such as moving from college to full-time employment. Further case study analyses reveal the friendship group as the primary influence over all other factors considered. The research concludes by summarizing the influences on physical activity participation that are pertinent to this age group, highlights theoretical implications, suggests possible intervention strategies and reports areas of further investigation that are required.
提高年轻女性的体育活动水平的重要性在英国和其他西方国家被视为优先事项。这项在英国两个不同地理位置开展的研究，探讨了75名15至19岁年轻女性体育活动参与水平的主要影响因素。通过深入访谈，本研究通过考察那些“总是”和“从不”参与体育或身体活动的年轻女性的不同叙述，探究心理和社会影响。主要差异在于，相对于从不参与者，总是参与者报告了更多关于“运动”的积极形象、对自身能力的积极认知、低自我意识、坚定的动机和参与活动的个人选择，以及朋友和家人的支持影响。该研究还指出了生活转变（如从大学过渡到全职工作）的不利影响。进一步的案例研究分析表明，友谊群体是对所有其他考虑因素的主要影响因素。研究最后总结了与该年龄组相关的体育活动参与的影响因素，强调了理论意义，提出了可能的干预策略，并报告了需要进一步调查的领域。
