Self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads

Purpose. The study examined the relationships between self‐efficacy and physical activity in adolescent and parent dyads. Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used to explore the relationships among levels of parent physical activity, parent–adolescent self‐efficacy, and adolescent physical activity. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted in a purposive sample of 94 adolescent/parent dyads. Results. Regression results indicated the overall model significantly predicted adolescent physical activity (R2= .20, R2adj= .14, F[5, 70]= 3.28, p= .01). Only one of the five predictor variables significantly contributed to the model. Higher levels of adolescent self‐efficacy was positively related to greater levels of adolescent physical activity (β= .29, p= .01). Practice Implications. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the level of self‐efficacy and physical activity in families in an effort to develop strategies that impact these areas and ultimately to mediate obesity‐related challenges in families seeking care.