Social support and peer norms scales for physical activity in adolescents

Am J Health Behav. 2014 Nov;38(6):881-9. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.38.6.10.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate psychometric properties of a Social Support and Peer Norms Scale in 5th-7th grade urban girls.

Methods: Baseline data from 509 girls and test-retest data from another 94 girls in the Midwestern US were used.

Results: Cronbach's alpha was .83 for the Social Support Scale and .72 for the Peer Norms Scale, whereas test-re-test reliability was .78 for both scales. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor structure for the Social Support Scale, and a 3-factor structure for the Peer Norms Scale. Social support was correlated with accelerometer-measured physical activity (r = .13, p = .006), and peer norms (r = .50, p < .0001).

Conclusions: Both scales have adequate psychometric properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Motor Activity*
  • Peer Group*
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Efficacy
  • Social Norms*
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires