The Relationship between Peer and/or Friends‟ Influence and Physical Activity among Elementary School Children: A Review

One modifiable factor linked to the current childhood obesity epidemic is inactivity among children. In hopes of providing researchers and practitioners with insight for combating the childhood obesity epidemic, the objective of this review is to synthesize the research on the association between peer and/or friends‟ influence and elementary school-aged children‟s physical activity behaviors. Six databases were searched to identify studies published within the last 20 years that assess the relationship between peer and/or friends‟ influence and elementary school-aged children‟s physical activity behaviors. Analysis of the 13 studies meeting these criteria identified four processes through which peers and/or friends may be associated with elementary school-aged children‟s physical activity behaviors: modeling, social support, popularity and victimization. While more research is needed in this area, this review suggests that there is an association between peer and/or friends‟ influence and elementary school-aged children‟s physical activity levels. Peer victimization may be negatively associated with children‟s physical activity levels. Peer support is positively correlated with children‟s physical activity. Among boys, popularity may be associated with physical activity. Finally, evidence suggests that peer models may be effective at enhancing physical activity among girls and children with low physical activity self-efficacy. © 2009 Californian Journal of Health Promotion. All rights reserved.