What motivates young Latina females along the U.S. Mexico border region to participate in team sports?
Abstract
Physical activity gives women and girls an overall better quantity of life and positive health benefits. Statistics indicate lack of participation in physical activity and exercise by the U.S. general population and among the Latino population in particular. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the variables that motivate young Latinas to play and eventually continue to stay involved in team sports. This is a survey correlational study including young Latina females a U.S.-Mexico border community. Statistical analysis included frequencies, means, and Pearson Product Momentum Correlations. Sixty-nine participants (12 to 15 years old) completed the survey. The response rate was 86% (69/80). The most consistent reasons across grade levels for participating in sports included fitness, skill/mastery, and fun/excitement. There was no statistical significance among the seven subscales across grade levels. Correlational analyses indicated a positive and significant correlation between skill and competitiveness in 9th grade (r = .994), 8th grade (r = .825) and participants with athletic parents (r =.612). The literature lacks studies that address young Latina females on this type of important health issue and more research needs to be conducted.
Subject Area
Kinesiology|Health education
Recommended Citation
Pichardo, Dora A, "What motivates young Latina females along the U.S. Mexico border region to participate in team sports?" (2010). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1477816.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1477816