Fitness and fitting in: An exploratory study of gender and exercise

The purpose of the present study was to explore how gender and exercise related to each other using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. Using a multi-method design, female (N = 308) and male (N = 131) undergraduate and graduate students at a large Midwestern university completed a validated TPB and exercise survey. Interested undergraduate and graduate students then participated in focus groups with questions relating to the TPB constructs. Results included that the TPB constructs of subjective norms and perceived control were significantly different within females and within males for exercise and group exercise as well as between females and males for exercise and group exercise. The construct of attitude was not significantly different for females or males. It can be concluded from the present study that gender, in terms of subjective norms and perceived control, related to exercise preference and actual behavior.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Herrmann, Lynn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alston, Reginald J.
• Harvey, Idethia S.
• Graber, Kim C.
• Notaro, Stephen J.

• gender
• exercise
• fitness
• group exercise
• Theory of Planned Behavior
• undergraduate students
• graduate students

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Lynn Katherine Herrmann

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34301

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/34301