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Social stereotypes such as race, class, religion, physical characteristics, and gender affect participation in sport and physical activities. However, the degree to which individuals are sensitive to the stigmas that [...]

Investigations of physical self-concept among children have repeatedly shown that boys have higher physical self-concept than girls. Given the masculine nature of physical activity and sport, this result seems reasonable. However, previous studies have not assessed the social phenomenon of gender-typed sports. It stands to reason that because of social stereotyping, boys and girls may experience different physical self-concept in traditionally masculine (boys') sports or traditionally feminine (girls') sports. Furthermore, boys and girls who participate in cross-gender typed sports (e.g., boys in traditionally girls" sports and girls in traditionally boys' sports) may yield different results regarding physical self-concept. Toward that end, this study examined the physical self-concept of middle-school-aged boys and girls who participated in different gender stereotyped sports. Results indicated that boys and girls experienced different degrees of physical self-concept depending on the type of sport in which they participated. Boys and girls who participated in gender-typed and cross-gendered sports experienced higher physical self-concept than those who participated only in gender-typed sports. Stereotype theory is used as a framework for explaining the findings and making suggestions for future research., Physical activity participation and perceived competence in physical activity has been credited for a number of positive developmental outcomes such as leadership, altruism, and independence (Larson, 2000). Furthermore, self-concept has [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic may have altered visitation patterns to parks, with potential effects on human health. Little is known about park use early in the pandemic, how park availability influenced use, and whether park visits accelerated COVID-19 spread. Using weekly cell phone location data for 620 U.S. counties, we show park visits decreased by an average 26% between March 15 and May 9, 2020. Net of weekly trends, park visits were 2.2% lower when stay-at-home orders were in effect, yet increased by 8.4% with school closures and 4.4% with business closures. Park visits decreased less during the pandemic in counties where park availability was high. Levels of park visits were not associated with COVID-19 growth rate or incidence in the following weeks. Thus, parks served as recreation and leisure outlets when schools and businesses closed, especially where parks were more available, with no evidence of park use increasing COVID-19 spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study examines whether associations between activity-related support and adolescents' physical activity differ for adolescents at high versus low risk of physical inactivity. Methods: Participants included 202 middle-school-aged girls (N = 92) and boys (N = 110). Physical activity was assessed using three self-report questionnaires. Activity-related support from mothers, fathers, siblings, and peers was assessed using the Activity Support Scale. Perceived sport competence was assessed using the Physical Activity Self Description Questionnaire. Participants' height and weight were measured and used to calculate their age- and sex-adjusted Body Mass Index percentile. Participants were classified as being at high risk for physical inactivity if they fulfilled two of the following three criteria: (1) overweight; (2) female; or (3) having low perceived sport competence. Results: Activity-related support from all sources was associated with higher levels of physical activity among adolescents. A stronger association between activity support and physical activity was found for adolescents at high risk for physical inactivity in comparison to adolescents at low risk. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that the activity-related support from family and friends may be an effective tool in promoting physical activity among youth at risk of physical inactivity.

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