Social influence and physical activity in older females: understanding channels & types
Date
2004-11
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Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the channels and types of social
influence that may be associated with physical activity in older females. The study
used a mixed methods design. First, a qualitative study was used to confirm the
channels and types of social influence perceived by older females as being important.
The channels and types of social influence identified were then used to construct a
questionnaire that was used in the second study to explore how the channels and types
might be related to different levels of physical activity.
In Study One, two focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 participants.
During the focus groups, participants completed a circle map of influences relating to
physical activity and then discussions followed using a semi-structured interview guide.
These discussions were analyzed to verify the main channels and types of social
influence. Three main channels were discussed: influences from family, friends, and
healthcare workers. In terms of types of influence, obedience, compliance, conformity,
and modelling were all mentioned in conjunction with at least one of the channels
during the focus groups.
In Study Two, 145 older females completed the Older Adult Exercise Status
Inventory (OA-ESI; O'Brien-Cousins, 1996) along with a questionnaire designed
specifically for this study to assess social influence channels and types. Factor analysis
of the social influence items revealed five factors: family; friends -
obedience/ compliance; friends - modelling; health care workers -
obedience/compliance; and healthcare workers -modelling.
These five influence factors and perceived health were included in a
discriminant function analysis to predict level of physical activity. Results revealed a
significant function (Wilks' lambda= 0.806, χ2 (6) = 18.38,p = 0.005), which
explained 19.4% of the variance and correctly classified 70% of the sample. Perceived
health and friends -obedience/compliance loaded with the active group (≥3 KKD;
N=58) whereas family influence loaded with the insufficiently active group (≤2 KKD;
N=32). These two studies provide preliminary support for the importance of channels
and types as they relate to physical activity in older females. However, further research
needs to explore these influences along with refining the social influence questionnaire
developed for this study.
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Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
College of Kinesiology
Program
College of Kinesiology