Attitude to physical education and participation in organized youth sports during adolescence related to physical activity in young adulthood: A 10-year longitudinal study

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between participation in organized youth sport and attitude to physical education (PE) during adolescence and physical activity in young adulthood. The sample comprised 630 participants who completed questionnaires over a 10-year period. Analysis of variance and regression were used to examine the relationship between attitude to PE and participation in organized sport at age 13 years and physical activity at age 23 years. Both genders had a consistent and positive attitude toward PE at age 13—16 years. More boys participated in organized youth sport, and participation rates declined from age 13 to 16 years. Participation in organized sport was the strongest predictor of physical activity at age 23 years in males, whereas attitude to PE was the strongest predictor in females. Participation in sport and physical activity in different arenas during adolescence may affect participation differently in young adult men and women.