Does Perceived Environment Matter for Children in the Context of Social Cognitive Variables?

This study investigated if various PA environment conceptualizations predicted PA above and beyond self-efficacy, enjoyment and social support. Perceived PA environment was conceptualized as: a) how often there is equipment (e.g., balls, jump ropes) provided during recess/lunch; b) presence of playground structures (e.g., swing sets, foursquare, etc); and c) the condition of the playground structures. Overall, the self-efficacy mean was 3.18+ or -0.76 (range=1-5; Cronbach's alpha=.58); PA enjoyment was 4.31+ or -0.73 (range=1-5; Cronbach's alpha=.80); and social support was 6.20+ or -1.53 (range=0-8; Cronbach's alpha=.56). Regression analyses with maximum likelihood estimation for missing data (14% of total sample) controlled for gender, ethnicity, and age. Step 1 entered the social cognitive variables and explained 20% of PA (F(7, 246.2)=9.93, p