Many theoretical models have been proposed to understand the factors influencing physical activity behavior; however. few have been specifically developed for children. The purpose of this paper is to describe a conceptual model of physical activity promotion that is based on the unique developmental, psycho1ogical, and behavioral characteristics children. The current model adopts a social-ecological framework by acknowledging the input of various personal, social, and environmental influences on children's physical activity. The model also unites constructs from competing theoretical frameworks to provide a conceptual basis for comparing various models. It is hoped that this model will serve as a bridge between theory and practice and will enhance the promotion of physical activity among children.

The Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model: A Conceptual Bridge Between Theory and Practice

The relationship between fine and gross motor ability, self-perceptions and self-worth in children and adolescents.

Based on Barter's competence motivation theory, this study examined the relationships between perceived coaching behaviors and (a) perceptions of ability and (b) motivation in competitive age-group swimmers. Male and female athletes (N=312) assessed their coaches' behaviors and their own ability and motivation using self-report measures. Multivariate analyses indicated that significant relationships were found for males, females, 12–14-year-olds, and 15-18-year-olds. Variables contributing most importantly to the relationships differed depending upon gender and age group. In general, coaches who were perceived as giving more frequent information following desirable performances, and more frequent encouragement combined with information following undesirable performances, were associated with athletes who perceived higher levels of success, competence, enjoyment, and preference for optimally challenging activities. These results indicate that young athletes' self-perceptions and motivation are significantl...

The Relationship Among Perceived Coaching Behaviors, Perceptions of Ability, and Motivation In Competitive Age-Group Swimmers

This study examined the relationship between children’s perceptions of parental influence and their psychosocial responses to competitive soccer participation. Female (n = 114) and male (n = 113) athletes completed self-reports of soccer competence, enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, and parents’ influence on their participation. Mothers (n = 160) and fathers (n = 123) reported their own attitudes and behaviors toward their child’s participation. Regression analyses revealed that mothers and fathers who were perceived as positive exercise role models, who had more positive beliefs about their child’s competency, and who gave more frequent positive contingent responses to performance successes were associated with athletes who had higher perceived competence, enjoyment, and intrinsic motivation. Children who also perceived their fathers as being more involved in their soccer participation and exerting lower amounts of pressure to perform had more positive psychosocial responses. However, a nonsignificant rel...

Parental Influence on Children’s Cognitive and Affective Responses to Competitive Soccer Participation

The link between children's sport participation and self-esteem: Exploring the mediating role of sport self-concept

Theory and research from the developmental psychology literature Indicate there is a developmental progression in the particular criteria or informational sources children use to evaluate their performance competencies. The present study was designed to test the possibility that certain psychological characteristics (i.e., perceived competence and perceived performance control) may also affect children's preference for the various sources of competence information that are available in the sport environment. Three psychological questionnaires were administered to 229 young soccer athletes to assess the variables of Interest. Multivariate regression and canonical correlation analyses revealed support for the predicted relationships. Children with external perceptions of performance control exhibited a greater preference for external information, while children with high perceived competence and an internal perception of control exhibited greater reliance on self-determined standards of performance and comp...

Cynthia A. Hasbrook

Papers

Psychological Characteristics and the Criteria Children Use for Self-Evaluation