Adolescents’ Exercise Behavior and Cognitive and Behavioral Variables

The purpose of the study was to identify the differences
in exercise stages among adolescents and in cognitive
and behavioral variables by the exercise stages. A total
of 671 adolescents randomly selected from junior high
and high schools in Seoul were surveyed. Two Korean
version questionnaires were used to identify the stages
of exercise behavior and the processes of change
construct of adolescents: Stage of Exercise Behavior
Change Questionnaire, and Processes of Change
Questionnaire. Results indicated that exercise pattern of
Korean adolescents were different by each stage of
exercise behavior. Female adolescents were more likely
to be in the contemplation stage, whereas males were
more likely to be in the maintenance. In addition,
significant differences were revealed in use of
processes of change constructs through stages of
exercise behavior. The use of cognitive and behavioral
strategies increased from precontemplation through
maintenance. This study provides some insights into
the physical activity habits and the TTM components of
increasing physical activity levels in the adolescent
Korean populations.