Morningness‐eveningness and physical activity in adolescents

Abstract

Physical activity is essential for a healthy development and for the well‐being of young people. The present study is based upon the assumption that physical activity is influenced by psychological factors like the attribution of physical activity effects and self‐efficacy, as well as by chronotype. Seven hundred and twenty‐six adolescents participated in this study, and we applied the following scales: physical activity self‐efficacy beliefs (PASE), positive attribution of physical activity (PAPA), and negative attribution of physical activity (NAPA), self‐report physical activity level, and the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). PASE scores correlated with the positive attribution of physical activity effects but not with the negative attribution. Morning‐oriented pupils were more physically active. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between CSM and PASE. Also, morning‐oriented pupils gave more positive attributes to the effects of physical activity. The results have an impact on programs devoted to increasing physical activity in adolescents

Keywords:

• biological rhythms
• chronotype
• Composite Scale of Morningness
• coping
• education
• physical activity
• self‐efficacy
• sports performance