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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 1/2014

01-02-2014 | Original Article

Physical Activity Disparities in Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth Ages 12–22 Years Old: Roles of Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Athletic Self-Esteem

Authors: Jerel P. Calzo, PhD, Andrea L. Roberts, PhD, Heather L. Corliss, PhD, Emily A. Blood, PhD, Emily Kroshus, PhD, S. Bryn Austin, ScD

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Physical activity is an important health determinant. Little is known about sexual orientation differences in physical activity and their psychosocial determinants.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine adolescent and young adult hours/week of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and team sports participation by sexual orientation and investigate contributions of gender nonconformity and low athletic self-esteem to possible sexual orientation differences.

Methods

Analysis of data from 5,272 males and 7,507 females from 1999 to 2005 waves of the US Growing Up Today Study (ages 12–22 years).

Results

Sexual minorities (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) reported 1.21–2.62 h/week less MVPA (p < 0.01) and were 46–76 % less likely to participate in team sports than same-gender heterosexuals. Gender nonconformity and athletic self-esteem accounted for 46–100 % of sexual orientation MVPA differences.

Conclusions

Physical activity contexts should be modified to welcome sexual minority males and females. Targeting intolerance of gender nonconformity and fostering athletic self-esteem may mitigate sexual orientation MVPA disparities.
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Metadata
Title
Physical Activity Disparities in Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth Ages 12–22 Years Old: Roles of Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Athletic Self-Esteem
Authors
Jerel P. Calzo, PhD
Andrea L. Roberts, PhD
Heather L. Corliss, PhD
Emily A. Blood, PhD
Emily Kroshus, PhD
S. Bryn Austin, ScD
Publication date
01-02-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9570-y

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