Self‐efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads

PURPOSE: The study examined the relationships between self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to explore the relationships among levels of parent physical activity, parent-adolescent self-efficacy, and adolescent physical activity. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a purposive sample of 94 adolescent/parent dyads. RESULTS: Regression results indicated the overall model significantly predicted adolescent physical activity (R(2) = .20, R(2)(adj) = .14, F5, 70= 3.28, p= .01). Only one of the five predictor variables significantly contributed to the model. Higher levels of adolescent self-efficacy was positively related to greater levels of adolescent physical activity (β= .29, p= .01). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners are encouraged to examine the level of self-efficacy and physical activity in families in an effort to develop strategies that impact these areas and ultimately to mediate obesity-related challenges in families seeking care.