Why aren’t they involved in physical activities? The hypothesis of negative self-perception due to past physical activity experiences

Abstract

We conducted preliminary studies testing the relevance of a new construct for understanding women’s uninvolvement in regular physical activity: negative self-perception due to past PA experiences (NSPPPAE). In study 1, we tested the clarity of a three-item scale and computed principal component analysis, standardized Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and test-retest reliability using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. In study 2, we performed principal component analysis, Pearson’s correlation tests, and multiple regression analysis to determine (1) NSPPPAE’s association with variables related to PA involvement and (2) NSPPPAE’s power to predict time spent in vigorous or moderate recreational activity. The scale showed satisfactory internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. NSPPPAE was positively associated with time barrier (r = .31), tiredness barrier (r = .52), age (r = .15), and BMI (r = .28), and negatively associated with time in recreational activity (r = −.36). It significantly predicted (β = −.20, p = .003) time in recreational activity. This construct provides deeper insight into women’s uninvolvement in regular PA.