Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3(3), pp. 103 - 111
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030301
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Understanding Motivations: Exploring Adolescents Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity-Nutrition Program
Jenifer Li 1, Nancy Fenton 2,*, Stephanie Thayer 1, Caryl Russell 1, Monica Gray 3
1 Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Canada
2 School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Canada
3 Patient Care Solutions, Canada
ABSTRACT
The increasing rate of obesity among children and youth is a major health concern for the Canadian population. Although exercise-based intervention programs have shown significant improvements in clinical markers, maintenance and management of these improvements are often stunted or reversed due to barriers relating to negative attitudes and lack of motivation towards exercise. The Self-Determination Theory suggests a shift in motivation towards physical activity, from lack thereof to autonomous, can occur within supportive environments. It is thus crucial to explore the perceptions and experiences of overweight adolescents enrolled in fitness-nutrition programs. This research attempts to go beyond the biophysical markers of health to provide insight on individual experiences that affect attitudes towards exercise and making healthy choices. In-depth interviews were conducted with adolescents (aged 12-16years) to discuss their experience(s) in a referral-based fitness-nutrition program. Results from this study revealed that participants' attitude and perception of exercise shifted from apprehension to full engagement/enjoyment and were associated with individuals gaining self-confidence. These attitudes further translated to individual lifestyle changes outside of the program, illustrating the shift in motivation from external to internal. These results suggest that a potential key to enhancing physical activity and making healthy choice among overweight adolescents lie in shifting individual attitudes from a motivation to autonomous motivation in pressure-free supportive environments.
KEYWORDS
Motivation, Adolescent, Exercise, Attitude, Confidence, Obesity, Overweight
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jenifer Li , Nancy Fenton , Stephanie Thayer , Caryl Russell , Monica Gray , "Understanding Motivations: Exploring Adolescents Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity-Nutrition Program," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 103 - 111, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030301.
(b). APA Format:
Jenifer Li , Nancy Fenton , Stephanie Thayer , Caryl Russell , Monica Gray (2015). Understanding Motivations: Exploring Adolescents Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity-Nutrition Program. Universal Journal of Public Health, 3(3), 103 - 111. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030301.