Abstract
To increase our understanding of predictors of healthy behavior patterns in Native American children. Children from the Southwest (N = 145) United States were administered a questionnaire with predictors of healthy living behaviors (i.e., perceived health status and perceived physical shape [fitness]). Using structural equation modeling, significant path estimates were present for self-efficacy in predicting beliefs, for (removing) barriers, and for adult/peer support. Further, belief, barriers, and peer social support significantly predicted goals/intentions to be physically active. For children's perceived physical shape (fitness), similar results were found except with no significant relationship between self-efficacy and (removing) barriers. Efforts focusing on increasing support systems and improving experiences (leading to positive efficacy/beliefs) can lead to significantly greater goals/intentions and perhaps the adoption of healthy behavior patterns by children.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | e12089 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2017 |
Keywords
- Native American
- fitness
- health
- physical activity
- psychosocial development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cultural Studies
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)