Korean adolescents' exercise behavior and its relationship with psychological variables based on stages of change model

Purpose To examine the exercise behavior of Korean adolescents, reveal the differences in self-efficacy and decision balance by the stages of exercise behavior, and identify the relationship between exercise behavior and psychological variables. Methods A total of 671 adolescents randomly selected from junior high and high schools in Seoul were surveyed. Three Korean-version questionnaires were used to identify the stage of exercise behavior and psychological attributes of adolescents: Stage of Exercise Behavior Change Questionnaire, Decision Balance Scale for Exercise, and Exercise Self-efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed by frequency analysis, χ² test, MANOVA, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Results The exercise pattern of Korean adolescents was different by each stage of exercise behavior: precontemplation (17.5%), contemplation (16.6%), preparation (20.4%), action (28.3%), and maintenance (17.2%). Significant differences in exercise behavior distribution emerged as a function of gender and age. In addition, exercise efficacy, exercise benefits and exercise barriers differentiated across the stages of exercise behavior. Furthermore, the findings revealed that adolescents' exercise behavior was significantly correlated with the selected psychological variables, and that psychological variables had a statistically significant impact on the exercise behavior. Conclusion This study provides information about relatively unstudied Korean adolescents and has the potential to influence the development of better exercise interventions and health promotion programs for adolescents.