Abstract
Objective: To examine the role of physical activity (PA) companions in supporting PA participation among African American women. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups. Fifteen physically active African American women participated in the study. Grounded theory data analysis techniques were used to develop a taxonomy depicting roles of PA companions for African American women. Results: PA companions functioned in 4 different roles: motivational, social, facilitative, and instructional. Supportive behaviors associated with each role were also elucidated. Conclusions: These findings provide an understanding for the function of companions in sustaining active lifestyle that can be used to inform intervention development.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 673-685 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | American Journal of Health Behavior |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- African Americans
- Physical activity
- Qualitative research
- Social support
- Women
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health