Young Adult Females with Increased Body Mass Indexes Reflecting on Physical Activity Levels During Adolescence: A Qualitative Case Study

Research has indicated that the level of physical activity constantly decreases during adolescences especially for females. Further research identified female adolescents as having one of the highest obesity rates. Those female adolescents who are overweight or obese as an adolescent oftentimes are overweight or obese adults. The problem is physical activity levels in adolescent females has decreased and weight in this group has increased. Without understanding what motivates female adolescents to become physically activity the obesity rates will continue to increase. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to develop a deeper understanding through the self-determination theory as to the barriers, perceptions, and the level of involvement and engagement of young adult females in physical activity during their high school years. Participants included six young adult females, who had elevated body mass indexes and were physically inactive in high school. Using a semi-structured interview process allowed for the young adult females to fully recall their high school physical activity experiences. Inductive analysis was the strategy used to analyze the interviews. The results indicated the physical education teacher did not promote physical activity with the young adult females having below average levels of physical activity. The young adult females also described having negative feelings towards physical education class with only sports related activities taught in class. In order for the young adult females to be engaged in physical activity, they were influenced by extrinsic factors. With examination of the implications on the physical activity levels of female adolescents, it can be concluded that female adolescents need to be mentally, emotionally, and physical satisfied to participated in physical activity. Recommendations for practice include: 1) develop physical education activities to meet the needs of female adolescents; 2) school systems should be promoting physical activity to all students especially female adolescents; and 3) the learning environment needs to be conducive for all female adolescents. Based on the results of this study, future research could determine the motivational factors for female adolescents and integrating a variety of activities in physical education class.