Multi-level examination of capabilities to enable physical activity at secondary school : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2022
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
Secondary schools are identified as key sites for the development of population health, given that health related habits developed in adolescence predict health practice in adulthood. Along with healthy eating, there is a consensus across research that being active is central to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with associated benefits of higher quality life and sense of wellbeing. Currently, the sub-optimal physical activity levels of adolescents are widely acknowledged across research. Seeking to contribute to knowledge on this issue, this project sought to move beyond individualised, motivation orientated research on physical activity in schools by drawing on ecologic theory and capabilities approach that focuses on personal and school-based factors that influence staff to enable students to engage with activity. An online survey was designed to capture Bay of Plenty secondary school staff’s experiences and understanding of their capability to respond to the national physical activity guidelines of students. Twenty-seven responses were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the personal and school-based capability-based factors involved with staff enabling students to be physically active at school. Key findings: Staff perceived themselves as capable to enable students to be active, and a range of school-based factors interact with personal capabilities. Staff can feel inhibited by limited time, workload, the school’s structure and lack of support. The student-staff relationship was perceived as essential to student participation in activity. Staff expressed value for enabling students to be active. Staff looked to the school environment for easily accessible and barrier free elements that support physical activity that is enjoyable for students. These findings help identify where opportunities to develop physically active cultures within schools exist; to provide insight into policy development and engagement with policy; and in doing so, contribute towards improving the outcomes for our young people.