Active for life: participating in recreational physical activities during educational transitions.
Date
2011-04-12
Authors
George, Emily Ruth Ombac
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
There is a noticeable decline in physical activity participation during transitions, including moving between levels of education (Bray & Born, 2004; Gyursick, Bray & Brittain, 2004; Bray & Kwan, 2007). Despite its importance, little is known about the process of successful transitions and how it impacts physical activity behaviour for university students. A way to further understand the transition process is to explore the leisure constraints and the constraints negotiation process for these young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine physically active leisure for young adults, who were successful at continuing their participation in physical activity during their transition into university. Students were recruited from randomly selected 2nd and 3rd year general courses and invited to participate in a semi-structured, one on one interview with the researcher. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with second to fourth year university students at a mid-size western Canadian university. Their narratives explored students’ beliefs, constraints, and constraint negotiation strategies they used to stay physically active, in a variety of individual and team sport physical activities. The participants were categorized into four categories, based on their participation level, and an in-depth analysis of narratives was done for each participant category. These profiles are rated on a continuum that determined whether they were more or less active than before, and on the types of the activities they pursued. The comparison and the placement
into the particular categories were determined by what type of activities they are doing at university. The students reported having both positive orientation and an identity that was associated with their active behaviour. Physical activity was noted as a higher priority in their lives. Their current student environment and student lifestyle was an enabler for physically active behaviours. Students described feeling constrained, in some aspects of their behaviour, but because physical activity was a higher priority, they were able to successfully negotiate those constraints. A key theme that emerged from these stories was enjoyment, but for two separate reasons; the social aspect and a challenge aspect. These aspects were found in the same activity or different activity, depending on the interests of the participant. However, it is important that the individual understand why they participate in physical activity and the outcome(s) they seek. This will help the student continue their physical activity behaviour during transitions, into post-secondary education and through other life course stages.
Description
Keywords
Leisure, Physical Activity, Transitions, University Students, Constraints Negotiation