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The effect of an integrated physical activity and psychosocial program on perceptions of social support among at-risk Adolescent girls

University of British Columbia

Rates of physical activity (PA) among adolescents are on a continuous descent, with girls appearing to be most susceptible to these declines. Furthermore, “at-risk” adolescent girls, whom may experience a number of negative preceding lifestyle conditions, may be exceptionally vulnerable to these declines. Girls United and on the Move (GUM) is a 9-week, integrated PA and psychosocial program aimed at enhancing PA and social-connectedness among “at-risk” adolescent girls. The overarching goal of this study was to explore the relationship between PA participation, motivation, enjoyment, and perceived social support among at-risk adolescent girls who took part in GUM. Participants (n=83) between the ages of 11-15 and classified as “at-risk” were recruited from five middle schools in British Columbia, Canada. Data was collected at baseline, 6-weeks, and 9-weeks post-intervention. A quasi-experimental mixed methods design was utilised. PA participation, PA enjoyment and motivation, social support, and the basic needs support provided from the program facilitators was measured utilising valid and reliable self- report measures. Semi-structured interviews (n=30) were undertaken to further explore the importance of social support. Regarding self-report data, paired samples t-test indicated no significant differences from baseline to post-intervention in PA participation (p=0.92), motivation (p=0.61), enjoyment (p=0.44), or perceived social support (p=0.81). However, additional analyses suggested that basic needs support from program facilitators was able to predict PA motivation (F(₂,₈₀) = 3.62, p ≤ 0.05) and enjoyment (F(₂,₈₀) = 4.53, p ≤ 0.05), above perceptions of social support. Regarding the semi-structured interviews, a thematic analysis revealed three themes, including: 1) PA barriers and challenges specific to at-risk adolescent girls, 2) Role of social support as an enabler of PA which acknowledged the importance of girls- only PA groups, and the role peers and program leaders play in facilitating feelings of enjoyment and motivation during PA, and 3) Perceptions of essential components for successful programming with at-risk girls which discussed the specific program pieces such as the conversations around sensitive topics and opportunities to try new activities. This study indicated that an integrated approach, where elements of social support are fostered, provides promising outcomes for future PA programs catered towards “at-risk” adolescent girls.

Text

2019-08-06

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/71227

Health and Exercise Sciences

University of British Columbia

UBCO

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/