Leisure and Physical Activity Among Adolescents and Their Parents: An Example of Interrelated Family Dynamics

We tested associations among parent and adolescent leisure time and physical activities, and family cohesion and family dinner frequency, controlling for demographic factors, using data from 141 dyads of adolescents (Mage = 15.2 years, 47.5% female, 51.8% white) and parents (Mage = 40.8 years, 63.8% female, 53.9% white). Leisure time and physical activity were correlated between adolescents and their parents. White parents and adolescents engaged in more unstructured leisure activities, and adolescents whose parents had more education engaged in more physical activity. Youth sport participation was highest among adolescents who also engaged in structured youth groups. Results are discussed in the context of family systems theory.