Effect of peers and friends on youth physical activity and motivation to be physically active

Abstract

Objective: To test whether the presence of a peer or a friend increases the motivation to be physically active in overweight and non-overweight youth in a laboratory setting. Methods: Youth motivation to be physically active as a function of the social context was measured using a computerized relative reinforcing value task to earn points exchangeable for physical and/or sedentary activities. Results: The presence of a friend (p