Subha Ramanathan */** and Peter R.e. Crocker */**
(*) Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
(**) School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Citation
Ramanathan, S., R.e. Crocker, P. (2013). Correlates of physical activity among adolescent youth in India. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 44(2), 111-127. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2013.44.111
Abstract
Behavioral models of physical activity have largely been developed with Caucasian populations but may be adapted for populations worldwide. This study tested a model of physical activity that focused on subjective perceptions, parental influences, and cultural values with adolescents in Chennai, India. Two hundred and eighteen participants (mean age 15.3) from an English-based private school completed a questionnaire. Results showed that physical activity levels were moderate and similar to North American youth, with boys reporting higher levels than girls. Gender differences were also seen in activity types, attraction, and some cultural values, but not in perceptions of competence, self-esteem or parental influence. Parental influence and cultural values did not enhance the prediction of physical activity by subjective perceptions. Future research with Indian youth should examine companions and orientations, distinguish between various aspects of parental influence, and further explore cultural values in relation to physical activity participation.
Keywords: Adolescent physical activity, Cultural values, Parental influence, Subjective perceptions