Self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads

Purpose. The study examined the relationships between self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads. Design and Methods. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to explore the relationships among levels of parent physical activity, parent-adolescent self-efficacy, and adolescent physical activity. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a purposive sample of 94 adolescent/parent dyads. Results. Regression results indicated the overall model significantly predicted adolescent physical activity (R-2 = .20, R-adj(2) = .14, F [ 5, 70] = 3.28, p = .01). Only one of the five predictor variables significantly contributed to the model. Higher levels of adolescent self-efficacy was positively related to greater levels of adolescent physical activity (beta = .29, p = .01). Practice Implications. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the level of self-efficacy and physical activity in families in an effort to develop strategies that impact these areas and ultimately to mediate obesity-related challenges in families seeking care.