Cited by 320Physical Activity and HealthSports and Physical Education StudiesPhysical Education and Pedagogy

Do peers matter? A review of peer and/or friends’ influence on physical activity among American adolescents

Open access
Fitzgerald, Amanda, Fitzgerald, Noelle, Aherne, Cian·2012·Journal of Adolescence

Abstract

This systematic review investigated the relationship between peer and/or friend variables and physical activity among adolescents by synthesising cross‐sectional, longitudinal, and experimental research conducted in the US. Seven electronic databases were searched to identify related articles published within the last 10 years and the articles reviewed included adolescents between 10 and 18 years. Studies reporting a measure of physical activity for adolescents and at least one potential peer and/or friend variable were included. Research demonstrated that peers and friends have an important role to play in the physical activity behavior of adolescents. Six processes were identified through which peers and/or friends may have an influence on physical activity including: peer and/or friend support, presence of peers and friends, peer norms, friendship quality and acceptance, peer crowds, and peer victimization. The theoretical significance of these results is assessed and the development of peer‐related physical activity programs for adolescents is discussed.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.01.002

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73 of 73 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Encouragement and modelling by peers, friends and parents are factors that motivate children and adolescents to participate in physical activity or achieve recommended levels of physical activity.

    “Encouragement and modelling by peers, friends and parents are factors that motivate children and adolescents to participate in physical activity or achieve recommended levels of physical activity.97–104”

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Authors
Fitzgerald, A., Fitzgerald, N., & Aherne, C.
Affiliations
  • University College Dublin (IE)
  • University of Limerick (IE)
Corresponding author
Fitzgerald, Amanda
Venue
Journal of Adolescence
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2012-01-28
Volume
35
Issue
4
Pages
941-958
ISSN
  • 0140-1971 (ISSN-L)
  • 1095-9254
OpenAlex
W2082731348
Cited by
320
References
72
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 35 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 3
FWCI
1.97
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Adolescence (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lenus, The Irish Health Repository (Dr Steevens Hospital Library) (acceptedVersion)
  • Arrow@dit (Dublin Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Repository UCD (University College Dublin) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Social Sciences › Life-span and Life-course Studies › Sports and Physical Education Studies
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation › Physical Education and Pedagogy
Keywords
peer influence, physical activity, adolescents, friendship, peer support, peer norms, friendship quality, peer acceptance, peer victimization, social influences on behavior, physical activity programs
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Female, Humans, Male, Motor Activity, Peer Group, United States, Exercise, Friends

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