Exploring gender differences in the relationship between personal and environmental factors with the use of a campus fitness center
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Engel, Alex R.
Rathwell, Scott
Pope, Paige
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage
Abstract
University is a crucial period for developing lasting physical activity (PA) behaviors. The purpose of this study was to (a) explore differences in the strength and direction of the relationship between personal and environmental factors with one's use of a campus recreational facility (CRF) and the seven zones within it, and (b) test whether these relationships were influenced by gender. To test this, 648 university students provided responses to an online survey including CRF use, personal factors, and environmental factors. Eight path analyses were run with use of the CRF and the seven zones assigned as the eight dependent variables (one DV/analysis), gender as the moderator, and personal and environmental factors as the independent variables. An individuals’ task self-efficacy was the strongest factor (β = .16–.43; p < .05) related to use within each corresponding zone. Additionally, gender moderated several relationships between personal and environmental factors with use of the CRF and the distinct zones.
Description
Open access. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0) applies
Keywords
Body image , Exercise , Perception , Self-efficacy , Social cognitive theory , Campus fitness centers , University students , Gender
Citation
Engel, A. R., Rathwell, S., & Pope, J. P. (2025). Exploring gender differences in the relationship between personal and environmental factors with the use of a campus fitness center. Recreational Sports Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661241313337