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Adolescent Girls: Exercise and Attitude

What is it that motivates adolescent girls to be physically active - or not? Previous studies have found that barriers include not enjoying the activities offered in school-based physical education classes (PE), lack of facilities for activity available after school, cost of activities, concerns about appearance, and having to clean up after school-based PE. Ethnic differences may also play a part. In this study, six focus groups were conducted in 49 9th thru 12th grade students (white and African American girls). Having "fun" (meeting new people, enjoying time with friends) was seen as a motivator - whereas physical activity described as "exercise" or even "sports" was not perceived as fun by focus group participants. All adolescents were indeed concerned about how physical activity would affect their outward appearance. PE classes in the morning with inadequate shower facilities or inadequate time to clean oneself was a barrier. There was concern that by being active, a female would appear to be masculine to male peers, with the exception of cheerleading, which was seen as being viewed favorably by boys. Physical activity was viewed as less important than homework, jobs, or spending time with friends. Factors that reinforced participation in physical activity were having active friends and having teammates that were supportive. Verbal support from family members and their attendance at events were also seen as important.

African-American girls offered a greater acceptance of large body sizes- and compared to white girls, being large was not as important a reason to withdraw from physical activity. It was felt that large African American girls receive positive reinforcement from members of the community, in contrast to white girls. These girls recognized that a more diverse array of
body images in the media existed for African-American girls and so they did
not feel the pressure from the media to be thin. The authors recommend more studies so that we may better understand how ethnic differences in body image are associated with levels of physical activity.
(Crawford JS, Taylor J. Contemporary Ped 2003; 20(11):61-78.)

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March 2003	Healthy People 2010: Weight Management and Physical Activity Focus Areas
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December/January 2003	Mercury Thermometers: Are they really a hazard?
October/November 2002	The ABC's of Diabetes Care
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