Do adolescent experiences help shape college students' physical activity beliefs and behaviors? A mixed methods study.

Objective: This study examined college students' current physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviors, as well as the perceived influence of their adolescent experiences on their current PA habits. Participants: 156 college students (M age = 19.88 years, Male n = 27, Female n = 128) attending a mid-sized midwestern public university. Methods: Students reported on current PA behaviors/beliefs and recollections of adolescent experiences (age 12-18) through surveys (n = 156) and focus groups (n = 17). Linear regression analyses examined whether adolescent experiences (parent support, friend support, physical education experiences, community support) and current perceptions (enjoyment, self-efficacy, and friend support) were associated with current PA. Thematic analyses qualitatively explored participants' perceptions. Results: Quantitative results revealed only current enjoyment, self-efficacy, and friend support were significantly associated with current PA (R2=0.34, p < 0.001). However, qualitative analysis revealed lasting influences of adolescent experiences, particularly social experiences with friends, parental support, and community resources. Conclusions: Findings indicate that while college students' physical activity is more strongly influenced by current self-efficacy, enjoyment, and friend support, positive adolescent experiences may indirectly shape ongoing attitudes and perceptions toward physical activity.