Early-adolescent Experiences of Physical Activity: A Sociology of Childhood Approach

Participation in physical activity is the most significant contributor to health and can bring joy, community and psychological well-being. Low rates of physical activity participation are causing national and international alarm. Only 7 per cent of Canadian children and youth receive adequate amounts and intensity of physical activity. Attrition occurs over adolescence, and childhood and adolescent participation influences lifelong participation. Utilizing feminist and sociology of childhood frameworks, this mixed method study explored the physical activity (PA) experiences of 25 middle school students. Findings include that these early adolescents were more active than national averages, that they enjoyed and valued physical activity, that their PA experiences were significantly impacted by their environment, and that they themselves knew what they wanted and what worked for positive participation experiences. School structures, facilities, programming and personnel, the built environment, friends and family were the most significant influences on participation experience. The author concludes that: 1) some populations of young people in some geographic circumstances are more engaged in physical activity and have a more positive attitude than often assumed; 2) researchers, program developers and, most importantly, policy makers concerned with physical activity participation, attrition, and public health must recognize that structures impose sedentaryism, and that individuals’ sense of responsibility for their own health behaviours alone is inadequate in creating an active population; 3) young people have authentic, credible knowledge and their observations, experiences and voice hold key insights to their own sustainable or increased participation in physical activities; and 4) young people need to be listened to and included as participants in the design of the structures that create the social, physical and educational environments in which they learn and live. Recommendations for policy, programming and future research are presented.Ph.D