An investigation of materialistic values and physical activity participation, location, and experience
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Abstract
In spite of clear and much publicized health benefits, the majority of American adults do not participate in enough physical activity to satisfy established public health recommendations. In recent years, attention has been paid to social position and consumption as they are related to health and well-being. In light of increases in chronic disease and health risks associated with insufficient activity, as well as increased consumptive patterns associated with decreased well-being, studies aimed at understanding the confluence of these trends are essential. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how materialistic values interact with the social and physical environments to influence physical activity participation, location, and the experience of being active. The present study utilized a mixed method, cross sectional design (n = 487). Increased materialism was associated with greater physical activity and appears to influence the selection of activity location, experience, and norms. The findings of this study suggest that this line of inquiry is timely, culturally relevant, and worthy of further investigation.