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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 3/2010

01-06-2010 | Original Article

Hop, Skip … No! Explaining Adolescent Girls’ Disinclination for Physical Activity

Authors: Kirsten Krahnstoever Davison, Ph.D., Dorothy L. Schmalz, Ph.D., Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 3/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and validate the Girls’ Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale (G-DAS) and implement the scale along with an objective measure of physical activity (PA) in a longitudinal sample of adolescent girls.

Methods

Participants were non-Hispanic White girls who were assessed at ages 13 years (n = 151) and 15 years (n = 98). Girls completed the G-DAS and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and wore an accelerometer for 7 days.

Results

Results supported a five-factor solution for the G-DAS; factors represented reasons for disliking PA including low perceived competence, lack of opportunities, high perceived exertion, concern about physical appearance, and threats to girls’ gender identity. Data supported the reliability and validity of the G-DAS. Low perceived competence was the most common reason girls reported disliking PA and predicted a decreased likelihood of maintaining sufficient PA across ages 13 to 15 years.

Conclusion

Developing PA-related skills prior to adolescence may reduce declines in adolescent girls’ PA.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Hop, Skip … No! Explaining Adolescent Girls’ Disinclination for Physical Activity
Authors
Kirsten Krahnstoever Davison, Ph.D.
Dorothy L. Schmalz, Ph.D.
Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-06-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9180-x

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