Changes in Physical Activity from High School to College

The purpose of this study is to better understand factors that may contribute to the changes in physical activity from high school to college. Using questions based on the social cognitive theory, intra and interpersonal factors that affect being and/or remaining physically active, as well as those that can help encourage students to participate in the future will be identified, hopefully generating a positive domino effect for future generations when they transition from high school to college. 20 minute zoom interviews were conducted with participants and responses were analyzed and placed into one of three categories: social, personal, or behavioral. Overall, we found that physical activity by students in college was performed as an intentional health-related activity, whereas physical activity by those same students in high school was performed for enjoyment and social purposes. So, this means we must change the stigma about physical activity as people become older, and adults must rediscover why they participated in physical activity when they were younger. Relating more to another theory rather than social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, supports that adults must find personal motivation and enjoyment in physical activity again in order to increase participation.