DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/W0J4-RB96

Defense Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Steven Danish

Abstract

Cancer and heart disease account for the largest proportion of morbidity and mortality among all adult diseases in the United States. Research has focused on identifying causal risk factors among adolescents. However, theories of health behavior change also stress the intermediary factors of intention and efficacy for effective behavior change. Existing research supports the potential of physical activity (PA), particularly learned through the domains of exercise and sport, as a means to developing these necessary skills (Danish, Petitpas, & Hale, 1993). The current investigation examined the influence of PA and television watching (TV) on intentions and efficacy to engage in health-enhancing behaviors. This was achieved by analyzing data from Building a BRIDGE to Better Health, a school-based health promotion program. Results indicate that independently, PA and TV significantly influence specific as well as general intentions and efficacy. These findings have important implications for adolescent health behavior.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

Included in

Psychology Commons

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