Summer Friends and Physical Activity: Social Network Effects on Child Self-Reported Physical Activity at Summer Care Programs

Summer is a time of reduced physical activity (PA) for children; however, summer care programs (SCPs) can provide opportunities for children to be active and foster friendships. This study investigated associations between PA and friendship formation at SCPs. Children (ages 8–12 years) from two SCPs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education & behavior 2022-10, Vol.49 (5), p.770-779
Main Authors: Prochnow, Tyler, Patterson, Megan S., Bridges Hamilton, Christina N., Umstattd Meyer, M. Renée
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Differences
Children
Childrens Attitudes
Clubs
Correlation
Exercise
Friendship
Gender Differences
Health Behavior
Maintenance
Physical activity
Physical Activity Level
Social Networks
Social organization
Summer
Summer Programs
Team Sports
Time use
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Summary:Summer is a time of reduced physical activity (PA) for children; however, summer care programs (SCPs) can provide opportunities for children to be active and foster friendships. This study investigated associations between PA and friendship formation at SCPs. Children (ages 8–12 years) from two SCPs reported demographics, PA, and up to five friends at the program. Exponential random graph modeling determined significant factors associated with connections at each time point and between time points. PA was a significant factor in sending and maintaining friendship connections. A further understanding of the social dynamics which assist in the maintenance of PA behaviors during summer may improve the odds children engage in the recommended amounts of PA during this crucial time.
ISSN:1090-1981
1552-6127
DOI:10.1177/10901981221076399