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.