Social Ecological ModelThere are many factors that influence a person's engagement in physical activity programs. Understanding these factors enables programmers to develop programs that better ‘fit’ the individual. The most effective physical activity interventions target changes in four levels (multifaceted approach).
These four levels include:
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Individual Level
Is the innermost level & includes personal factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of an individual being physically active.
Individual factors which influence physical activity participation:
Is the innermost level & includes personal factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of an individual being physically active.
Individual factors which influence physical activity participation:
- Psychological factors: attitudes, intentions, self-efficacy, preferences or likes & dislikes, beliefs, motivation, enjoyment, perceived barriers
- Behavioural factors: knowledge, skills, abilities, disabilities, habits
- Demographic characteristics: age, sex, level of education, marital status & income/employment status
Social Environment Level
The social environment comprises the relationships, culture & the society with whom the individual interacts. The social environment has a significant influence on physical activity behaviour.
The social environment comprises the relationships, culture & the society with whom the individual interacts. The social environment has a significant influence on physical activity behaviour.
The social environment includes:
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Physical Environment Level
includes the natural environment & the built (or man-made) environment. Physical environments are likely to influence the amount & the type of physical activity. The physical environment includes:
includes the natural environment & the built (or man-made) environment. Physical environments are likely to influence the amount & the type of physical activity. The physical environment includes:
- Availability & access to facilities & spaces such as parks, playgrounds, sporting grounds, gymnasiums, walking or cycling tracks
- Perceived beauty/qualities of facilities or the natural environment (e.g. the tan)
- Safety of the surroundings such as crime rates & speed of traffic
- Natural environmental factors such as geographic location, climate & weather
- Built environmental factors such as community design - connectivity of streets, housing density, land use, public transport
Policy Level
Is the final level of influence and it houses the laws, regulatory policies, procedures & rules that protect the health of the community. Policies are used as incentives to promote physical activity. Policy includes:
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