Effect of Peers and Friends on Youth Physical Activity and Motivation to be Physically Active

• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsn071
• Publication Date: 2008-07-11T00:34:52Z
• Authors: S.-J. Salvy; J. N. Roemmich; J. C. Bowker; N. D. Romero; P. J. Stadler; L. H. Epstein
• Keywords: Male; Motivation; Adolescent; Friends; Motor Activity; Peer Group; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Obesity; Child

To test whether the presence of a peer or friend increases motivation to be physically active in overweight and non-overweight youth laboratory setting.Youth as function social context was measured using computerized relative reinforcing value task earn points exchangeable for physical and/or sedentary activities.The (p<.001) increased youth's; active. The active, whereas this not case lean (p=.47). Participants biked greater distance than when alone (p<.001). Overweight alone, while (p=.23).Friendships may increase youth's engage activity promote youth.