Influence of social support within a physical activity and psychosocial program for at-risk girls: Findings from the GUM feasibility trial.

Girls United and on the Move Feasibility Trial for At-Risk Adolescent Girls

Authors

  • Nicole Hargreaves University of British Columbia Okanagan
  • Tanya Forneris School of Health and Exercise Science, University of British Columbia
  • Catherine M. Sabiston University of Toronto
  • Stephen Berg
  • Kent C. Kowalski College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
  • Leah J. Ferguson College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
  • Cristina Caperchione School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Human Performance Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney

Keywords:

Adolescence, At-Risk, Physical activity, Social Support, Commitment, Enjoyment

Abstract

Purpose: Girls United and on the Move (GUM) is a multi-component feasibility project aimed at enhancing physical activity (PA) and perceived social support among ‘at-risk’ adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in and relationships between PA participation, commitment, enjoyment, social support, and basic psychological needs (BPN) support among participants. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilised. Participants (N=83) aged 11-15 years were recruited from schools within British Columbia, Canada. PA participation, commitment, enjoyment, social support, and BPN were measured at baseline (T1), 6-weeks (BPN only; T2), and 9-weeks post intervention (T3). Semi-structured interviews (N=30) were conducted to explore the importance of social support for PA. Results: Self-report data indicated no significant differences from T1 to T3 in PA participation (p=0.92), commitment (p=0.61), enjoyment (p=0.44), or social support (p=0.81). BPN support was predictive of PA commitment (F(2,80)=3.62, p ≤ 0.05) and enjoyment (F(2,80)=4.53, p≤0.05), above social support. Interview data revealed three themes: 1) Role of peer and family support, 2) Importance of trustworthy role models, and 3) Empowering at-risk youth through new opportunity. Conclusions: The GUM program provided opportunities for at-risk girls to engage in PA in a socially accepting environment, whilst teaching them valuable life skills.

Keywords: adolescence; at-risk; physical activity; social support; commitment; enjoyment

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

Nicole Hargreaves, Forneris, T., Sabiston, C. M., Berg, S., Kowalski, K. C., Ferguson, L. J., & Caperchione, C. (2021). Influence of social support within a physical activity and psychosocial program for at-risk girls: Findings from the GUM feasibility trial.: Girls United and on the Move Feasibility Trial for At-Risk Adolescent Girls. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(2), 3–17. Retrieved from https://hfjc.library.ubc.ca/index.php/HFJC/article/view/347

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2021)

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ARTICLES

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