| Obesity among children continues to be a rapidly increasing problem among society today. Research has proven that people of all ages can improve their quality of life through a lifelong practice of moderate physical activity (Butler & Anderson, 2002). Yet despite the knowledge of these benefits, there continues to be a decline in fitness levels as children enter into adolescence (Butler & Anderson, 2002). The purpose of this study was to understand the role of youth sibling mentorship in relation to physical activity from the perspective of five adolescent males. The study sought to understand male adolescents' attitudes toward and possible interest in mentoring, and whether this was a strategy that could be implemented to promote increased participation in physical activity among youth.;The thematic analysis exposed three themes; sitting on the fence, influential individuals, and leadership presence. In this study, participants were knowledgeable about the benefits of leading a healthy, active lifestyle, yet failed to reach the daily recommended hours of physical activity set by Health Canada. Participation in physical activity was highest when the participants were in the presence of their friends and peers. The motivation to partake in physical activity stemmed from the having fun. The findings of this study suggest that peers are one of the key motivators when it comes to participating in physical activity, followed closely by parents. It is important to note that although the participants understood what the process of mentoring was, they did not see themselves in the role of a mentor. Sibling mentorship in physical activity was not found. However, the findings of this research suggest that peer influence can be very powerful and should be considered in the design of programs aimed at promoting physical activity in adolescents.;The findings of this study will be of interest to parents, physical education and health consultants, and teachers who work to promote programs for healthy, active living and are concerned with the physical inactivity crisis present among youth today.;Research was conducted with adolescent males between the ages of 11- to 14-from Saskatchewan. Their perspectives were gathered through an instrumental case study consisting of semi-structured, individual interviews. The first set of interviews focused on physical activity and inactivity, the participants' views on what a healthy active lifestyle entails, and what activities the participants were involved that they believed would be classified as leading a healthy, active lifestyle. The second set of interviews focused on mentoring, how mentors possibly contributed to healthy, active lifestyles, and how they viewed themselves in the role of a mentor, specifically to their younger male sibling(s). |
