Drawing on the contributions of a diverse group of international experts and a multidisciplinary approach, this reference challenges professionals, researchers, and students to implement new solutions and further their research in youth inactivity.
A reference for exercise science professionals and researchers, social scientists, consultants, and health officials who want to improve the health of children; a reference for upper-undergraduate and graduate courses in developmental sport and exercise psychology, physical activity and health, behavioral medicine, health promotion, and youth physical activity.
This is a very thought-provoking book, considering the current state of childhood obesity in this country. It addresses the major problem in our culture of inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle.
-Doody's Book ReviewAlan L. Smith, PhD, is associate professor of health and kinesiology at Purdue University. He is recognized internationally for his research in developmental sport and exercise psychology, serves as associate editor of the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, and is a consulting editor of Child Development. He is a fellow of the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and is a past chair of the Sport Psychology Academy of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. He earned his PhD in exercise and movement science from the University of Oregon.
Stuart J. H. Biddle, PhD, is professor of exercise and sport psychology at Loughborough University. A recognized leader in the field of physical activity and health for young people, he has worked in the area for nearly 30 years. He is coauthor of the first textbook on exercise psychology and has delivered keynotes and other lectures in more than 20 countries. Dr. Biddle is past president of the European Federation for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity and was academic cochair of the Young and Active Project leading to national guidelines for physical activity for young people in the United Kingdom. He earned his PhD in psychology from Keele University.
Part I. Conceptualization of Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Chapter 1. Definitions and Measurement
Simon J. Marshall and Gregory J. Welk
Understanding Physical Activity and Inactivity
Understanding Active and Sedentary Behavior in Youth
Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
References
Chapter 2. Youth Health Outcomes
David J. Stensel, Trish Gorely, and Stuart J.H. Biddle
Overweight and Obesity
Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Skeletal Health
Mental Health
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. A Sociohistorical Analysis of U.S. Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Mary McElroy
Early 20th Century Views of Children's Health
The First Weight Crisis and American Youth
The Intractability of Youth Obesity
The Growth of the Media Generation
Challenges Facing Contemporary Families
Lessons Learned From the Past for the Future
References
Chapter 4. Conceptual Perspectives
Claudio R. Nigg and Raheem J. Paxton
Necessity and Status of Theory
A Review of Theory-Based Interventions
Critical Evaluation of Applied Theory
Improving Our Theoretical Understanding
References
Chapter 5. Couch Potatoes and Wind-Up Dolls? A Critical Assessment of the Ethics of Youth Physical Activity Research
Michael Gard
Couch Potatoes?
Wind-Up Dolls?
Some Alternatives
Ethics
References
Part II. Developmental and Psychological Factors in Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Chapter 6. Biocultural Factors in Developing Physical Activity Levels
Robert M. Malina
A Biocultural Perspective
Factors Related to Physical Activity Levels
Activity Levels, Fitness, and Sport
Implications
References
Chapter 7. Youth Attitudes
Martin S. Hagger and Nikos L.D. Chatzisarantis
Attitudes in Social Science Research
Modifications of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Individual Differences in the Theory of Planned Behavior
Recommended Interventions Derived From the TPB
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8. Motivational Characteristics
Stuart J.H. Biddle, Darren C. Treasure, and C.K. John Wang
Descriptive Approaches
Framework for Theoretical Perspectives
Suggestions for Action
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9. The Role of the Self
Peter R.E. Crocker, Kent C. Kowalski, and Valerie Hadd
General Conceptions of the Self
The Physical Self
The Self and Physical Activity
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10. Youth With Movement Difficulties
Janice Causgrove Dunn and Donna L. Goodwin
Importance of Physical Activity for This Population
Theoretically Based Predictions and Research Findings
Environmental Issues
Intervention Research
Recommendations for Future Research
References
Part III. Social and Contextual Factors in Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Chapter 11. The Family
Brian E. Saelens and Jacqueline Kerr
Types of Familial Influence
Correlational Studies of Familial Influences
Studies of Other Family Factors
Intervention Studies
Conclusions and Recommendations for Research
References
Chapter 12. Peers
Alan L. Smith and Meghan H. McDonough
Basic Concepts in Peer-Related Research
Peer Research
Promising Future Research Directions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13. Physical Activity Levels During the School Day
Gareth Stratton, Stuart J. Fairclough, and Nicola D. Ridgers
Active Transportation
Recess
Physical Education
Summary
References
Chapter 14. Organized Sport and Physical Activity Promotion
Robert J. Brustad, Runar Vilhjalmsson, and Antonio Manuel Fonseca
Organized Sport Participation and Children's Well-Being
Youth Sport Value Structures
Theoretical Perspectives
Developmental and Motivational Considerations
Gender and Socioeconomic Influences
Programming to Facilitate Lifelong Physical Activity
References
Chapter 15. Community Out-of-School Physical Activity Promotion
David A. Dzewaltowski
After-School Programs in the United States
The Organized Community Opportunities Model
Research Based on the Organized Community Model
Conclusions and Future Directions
References
Chapter 16. Living Environments
Jo Salmon, John C. Spence, Anna Timperio, and Nicoleta Cutumisu
Conceptual and Theoretical Perspectives
The Home Environment
The Neighborhood Environment
Implications for Research and Practice
References
Chapter 17. Economic Principles
Chad D. Meyerhoefer
Individual Choices and the Market Economy
Market Failures
Policy Solutions
The Field in Perspective
References
Chapter 18. Culturally Appropriate Research and Interventions
Suzanna M. Martinez, Elva M. Arredondo, Guadalupe X. Ayala, and John P. Elder
Physical Inactivity in Immigrant and Ethnic Minority Populations
Adapting Models and Theories
Unique Contextual Factors
Culturally Appropriate Interventions
Conclusion
References