Ethnicity and Gender as Predictors of Physical Activity and Social Cognitive Determinants

The purpose of this study was to examine ethnicity and gender as predictors of physical activity (PA) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs related to physical activity among college students. Specifically, the study examined differences in PA between Hispanic college students and their non-Hispanic White counterparts. The study also examined differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants in SCT constructs regarding PA, such as social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and self-regulation. Additionally, the study assessed differences between male and female college students in relation to PA and SCT constructs. Finally, the study explored meditational effects of SCT constructs on the relationship between ethnicity, gender, and PA behaviors among participants. Study hypotheses were: 1. Hispanic college students would engage in lower levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity than their non-Hispanics White counterparts. 2. Female college students would engage in lower levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity than male college students. 3. Social Cognitive constructs for physical activity would mediate the relationship between ethnicity, gender, and PA. Secondary data was used for the purposes of this study. Participants, 313 University of Texas at El Paso college students, were asked to complete a health assessment questionnaire, which included demographic measures, an assessment of moderate and vigorous PA levels, and measures of the SCT constructs in relation to PA. The International Physical Activity Q uestionnaire (IPAQ) provided self-reported measures of the student\u27s moderate and vigorous PA levels. SCT constructs analyzed in the study included self-efficacy, social support from friends and family, outcome expectancies for PA, and self-regulation in the forms of ability to set goals and make plans. Data analyses consisted of a series of 2 X 2, Ethnicity by Gender, between subject ANOVAs. Dependent variables included moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity, and independent variables included ethnicity and gender. The study also included a series of mediational analyses examining the role of Social Cognitive Theory constructs on the relationship between ethnicity, gender, and PA