A comparative culture and gender study : self, parents, and media influences on adolescents’ exercise intentions

• Main Authors: Chin, Chi Hua, Leong, Sin Yu, Liang, Job Berlian Putera, Loke, Evadne Yixin
• Other Authors: May Oo Lwin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Communication::Cultural studies; DRNTU::Social sciences::Communication::Promotional communication::Communication campaigns; DRNTU::Social sciences::Mass media::Media effects
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/95074; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/9412
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

By integrating the Hierarchical Model of Physical Self-Perceptions in the physical domain (PSPP), the Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) model, and concepts from parental mediation of media use, this thesis examines the potential direct and indirect relationships of parental influence, body dissatisfaction, internalization of appearance ideals, and physical self-worth with adolescents’ intention to exercise. To provide a comparative perspective across cultures and gender, we administered survey questionnaires to 576 Thai adolescents and 575 Indonesia adolescents, of which 577 (50.1%) were males and 574 (49.9%) were females. Based on structural equation modeling analyses, we found significant cultural differences such that Thai adolescents were more influenced by the media as the effects of internalization and body dissatisfaction were stronger, whereas Indonesian adolescents were less influenced by the media in general, possibly due to stricter media regulations. In terms of gender differences; body dissatisfaction plays a bigger role in shaping females’ intention to exercise, while physical self-worth appears to influence males more strongly. We also found strong support for the YPAP model, for both countries and for both genders. Our findings contribute empirically to existing literature on the various factors affecting adolescents’ intention to exercise. Although this topic has been explored in the West, this is arguably one of the first studies which integrated factors from various disciplines such as communication, psychology, and physical education, to examine their relationship with intention to exercise. Relevant authorities and organizations can leverage on our findings to improve or initiate new health campaigns initiatives to reach their desired target audiences more effectively.