Why are you passive? Understanding teen´s sports intentions by QCA and LM

Abstract

Physical inactivity is one of the most critical issues in our society. Several studies have pointed that during adolescence Physical Activity levels decline the most, becoming a critical period in the acquisition of active lifelong habits. This study aims an understanding of the variables that predict the intention of being physically active (IPA) in high school students after completing their education, comparing two different methodologies: Lineal Models (LM) and Comparative Qualitative Analysis (QCA). No research has combined these methodologies before to see the intention of being physically active in high school. 307 adolescents from 14 to 19 years old (Mean=15.64 ±1.12), 55.5% boys, participated in the research. To get the results, a Hierarchical Regression Model with two steps; 1: Attitude toward the Behaviour (ATB), Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) and Subjective Norm (SN); 2: Athletic Identity (AI) and Physical Self-concept (PSC) and a Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) were performed. The first step explain 26% of IPA while the addition on step to explains 65% 2 = .38), AI is the most influential aspect (β=.74). Considering the fsQCA results, none of the conditions is crucial condition of IPA, although low levels of PBC seem to be the most important condition of not having IPA. Regarding sufficiency, five combinations explain 70% of IPA. The three most important combinations where having high levels of PSC and PBC; high levels of AI and ATB; and high levels PBC and ATB (explaining 45%; 60% and 43% respectively of IPA). In general QCA is more explanatory than LM.