The Intergenerational Transmission of Mindset of Fitness and Its Role in Elevating Children’s Leisure-Time Physical Activity

Abstract

For school-aged children with limited exposure to school physical education, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) contributed significantly to their overall activity behaviors. The mindset of fitness (one’s belief that his/her fitness level and ability to become fitter are changeable) was found to be associated with more exercise intentions and exercise behavior among adults, but relevant research among school-aged children (6–13 years) in the family context is scarce. This study examined how parents’ mindset of fitness may impact children’s LTPA and its possible mechanisms. In total, 1034 Hong Kong primary students and their parents completed the survey. Path analysis identified three mediation effects: via parental support for PA, via children’s mindset of fitness, and via parental support for PA to children’s mindset of fitness. Preliminary findings highlight the important role of parents’ mindset of fitness in inducing more parental support for PA, fostering children’s mindset of fitness, and eventually enhancing children’s LTPA.