Table 3.
Benefits of physical activity perceived by middle school boys and girls—Mean scores and standard deviations (N = 206; [61]). Response choices for the scales included: 1 (not at all true), 2 (not very true), 3 (sort of true), and 4 (very true)
| Boys | Mean score (standard-deviation) | Girls | Mean score (standard-deviation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improve or have more athletic skill | 3.50 (0.87) | Take care of myself, stay in shape, and be healthier | 3.63 (0.63) |
| Take care of myself, stay in shape, and be healthier | 3.41 (0.76) | Have a chance to play or be active | 3.42 (0.83) |
| Have a chance to play or be active | 3.32 (0.83) | Prove to myself what I can do physically | 3.37 (0.87) |
| Have more energy | 3.28 (0.86) | Have more energy | 3.33 (0.92) |
| Have fun or be part of a fun group or activity | 3.18 (0.93) | Improve or have more athletic skill | 3.28 (0.93) |
| Make me happier | 3.17 (0.96) | Make me happier | 3.26 (0.90) |
| Prove to myself what I can do physically | 3.17 (0.94) | Have fun or be part of a fun group or activity | 3.25 (1.04) |
| Looks better | 3.14 (0.94) | Looks better | 2.98 (1.13) |
| Spend time with family, friends, or team members | 2.90 (0.99) | Spend time with family, friends, or team members | 2.95 (1.03) |
| Have other people see my athletic skill or fitness | 2.71 (1.03) | Have other people see my athletic skill or fitness | 2.53 (1.11) |