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Renninger D, Reimers AK, Marzi I, Beck F, Krieger C, Demetriou Y. How do adolescents experience the decision-making process on travel mode choice? Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad147. [PMID: 37966159 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Active travel can contribute to multiple health benefits in youth. Previous research has identified several factors influencing travel behavior. This study investigates how adolescents process these factors during their decision-making process on travel mode choice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 adolescents (11-14 years) and analysed using deductive-inductive thematic analysis. Four themes were generated from which the decision-making process on mode choice was conceptualized according to adolescents. The step-by-step process in which travel mode options were gradually reduced, was dependent on the context (Theme 1), the perceived availability of travel mode choice options, which was influenced by factors beyond the individual's perceived control (Theme 2), and on adolescents' pros/cons assessment to identify the most convenient option. Adolescents' habitually used travel mode influenced the decision at several stages throughout the process (Theme 4). To promote healthy travel behaviors, interventions should consider contextual circumstances, balance between enabling autonomous choices and promoting advantages of active travel modes, address individual travel modes and include practices that foster conscious processing of decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Renninger
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne K Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabel Marzi
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Beck
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Krieger
- Department of Languages and Aesthetic Disciplines Education, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yolanda Demetriou
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60, 80992 Munich, Germany
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Lam HY, Jayasinghe S, Ahuja KDK, Hills AP. Active School Commuting in School Children: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Research Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6929. [PMID: 37887667 PMCID: PMC10606062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Active school commuting (ASC) has been proposed as a practical way to inculcate positive physical activity habits in children. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding ASC among children, highlights advances in research techniques and existing limitations in the field, and outlines future implications for research and promotion. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify English language studies on ASC among children aged 6-12 years, followed by a narrative review. ASC has witnessed a global decline, despite evidence of its contribution to physical activity levels. Context-dependent factors such as commuting distance and parental safety concerns are consistently identified as key determinants of ASC. Several promising interventions have been identified. Despite the limitations in intervention scope and quality, notable advancements in research techniques, such as multilevel regression and agent-based modelling, have been identified. Effective promotion of ASC to tackle childhood physical inactivity requires collaborative efforts among schools, parents, and the government, and should be tailored to address multilevel determinants within the local context. Future research should leverage recent advancements in research techniques to develop effective promotion strategies, while considering the context-dependent nature of ASC behaviours and addressing existing limitations, including the lack of standardised definitions and limited geographical and age coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yeung Lam
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (S.J.); (K.D.K.A.); (A.P.H.)
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Tristram C, Reimers AK, Renninger D, Beck F, Demetriou Y, Marzi I. Parental perspectives on the decision-making process on transport mode choice in adolescents: a qualitative study with mothers and fathers. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1227612. [PMID: 37780145 PMCID: PMC10539588 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1227612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aims to understand the familial decision-making process on transport mode choice in adolescents with a focus on the parental perspective within this process. Background Active travel contributes to adolescents' overall physical activity and its positive health effects. Based on the social-learning theory, especially parents are assigned a central role for adolescents' travel behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine how parents are involved in the decision-making process on transport mode choice in adolescents. Method The study is part of the cross-sectional mixed-methods ARRIVE study which includes semi-structured interviews with mothers (n = 12) and fathers (n = 7) of 11- to 14-year-old German adolescents. The interviews focused on travel behavior in adolescents and the decision-making process on transport mode choice from the parental perspective. All interviews were analyzed inductively using Thematic Analysis. Results Our study revealed that parents do not primarily decide for or against active travel in adolescents, but are mostly involved in the decision-making process, especially in case of a deviation from the main transport mode. Different forms of parental involvement in the decision-making process were identified. Some parents acted as main decision makers which is the highest form of involvement while others gave their children complete freedom of choose a transport mode for themselves. These parents accepted their child's choice fully which shows a low involvement in the decision-making process. Conclusion The results provide a deeper understanding of the familial decision-making process on travel behavior in adolescents. The results indicate an occasionally parental involvement in the decision-making process on the mainly used transport mode by adolescents, and that mothers and fathers are always involved when deviating from the main mode. Implications Further research should investigate changes in travel behavior from childhood to young adulthood to understand long-term travel decisions in families. Due to the findings that parents are often involved in the decision-making process on transport mode choice and that they mainly reported safety concerns as barriers to their children's active travel, further research should focus especially on the social and physical environment of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Tristram
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne K. Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Denise Renninger
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Beck
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yolanda Demetriou
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Marzi
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Renninger D, Bachner J, García-Massó X, Molina-García J, Reimers AK, Marzi I, Beck F, Demetriou Y. Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Active Travel to Different Destinations: A Cluster Analysis with Adolescents Living in Germany. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13030272. [PMID: 36975297 PMCID: PMC10045514 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Active travel in adolescence contributes to improved health outcomes. Self-Determination Theory suggests that motivation and basic psychological needs influence travel behavior. Person-centered approaches can examine interrelationships of these constructs underlying travel behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate (i) which clusters can be identified in adolescents, (ii) whether clusters explain overall active travel behavior, (iii) whether clusters were associated with travel mode to various destinations or distance, and (iv) whether differences across clusters appear regarding sex/gender, age, and weight status. The sample included 517 (263 male, 254 female) adolescents from Germany, aged 11-15. Self-organizing maps analysis identified six clusters from nine input variables: intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, amotivation, autonomy satisfaction, competence satisfaction, and relatedness satisfaction. The most beneficial cluster regarding active travel demonstrated highest basic psychological needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation with low controlled motivation and amotivation. The most vulnerable cluster was characterized by generally low levels of motivation except for external regulation and amotivation. Clusters were not associated with distance to school, friends/relatives, shopping facilities, or leisure facilities. The findings support the importance of high quality and high quantity of motivation for active travel in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Renninger
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Bachner
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
| | - Xavier García-Massó
- AFIPS Research Group, Department of Teaching of Physical Education, Arts and Music, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Molina-García
- AFIPS Research Group, Department of Teaching of Physical Education, Arts and Music, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Anne Kerstin Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabel Marzi
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Beck
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yolanda Demetriou
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
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Beck F, Marzi I, Renninger D, Demetriou Y, Engels ES, Niermann C, Reimers AK. Associations of parents' and adolescents' active travel behavior across various destinations - a sex/gender analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:522. [PMID: 36934259 PMCID: PMC10024016 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active travel behavior such as walking and cycling is associated with several health benefits. Especially the family environment seems to be important for active travel in children and adolescents. Currently, little is known regarding travel behavior in leisure time and associations of travel behavior within parent-adolescent dyads. METHODS The present analysis is based on the German ARRIVE study (Active tRavel behavioR in the famIly enVironmEnt), which incorporated a large scale, representative cross-sectional online survey including 517 parent-child dyads consisting of adolescents (N = 517; boys = 263, girls = 254) aged 11-15 years and one of their parents (N = 517; fathers = 259, mothers = 258). Based on that survey which took place in June 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), we calculated the prevalence of active travel to four commonly visited destinations (school/work, friends/relatives, shopping stores and recreational activities) using an adapted version of the travel to school questionnaire by Segura-Diaz JM, Rojas-Jimenez A, Barranco-Ruiz Y, Murillo-Pardo B, Saucedo-Araujo RG, Aranda-Balboa MJ, et al. (Int J Environ Res Public Health 17(14), 2020). In addition, we investigated the associations between parents' and adolescents' travel behavior using scores for school/work, leisure time (friends/relatives, shopping stores and recreational activities) and overall (school/work and leisure time). RESULTS Across all destinations, prevalence of active travel in adolescents (63.08%) was higher than in parents (29.21%). Active travel to school (47.33%) as well as to work (20.43%) indicated the lowest prevalence. Linear regression models revealed significant associations in overall active travel between mothers and adolescents (girls: β = 0.308, p < 0.001; boys: β = 0.302, p = 0.001) and in leisure time active travel behavior between mothers and daughters (β = 0.316, p < 0.001). Related to school/work active travel there were no associations between parents and adolescents. CONCLUSION The associations between adolescents' and parents' travel behavior differ depending on gender: they are solely seen in mother-adolescents dyads. Furthermore, our findings conclude that travel is a routine and independent of the destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Beck
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123B, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Isabel Marzi
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123B, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Denise Renninger
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Yolanda Demetriou
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Eliane Stephanie Engels
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123B, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Niermann
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Kerstin Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123B, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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