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