"I'd Rather Dance Outside": A Phenomenological Examination of Youth Experiences in Outdoor, Noncompetitive Physical Activity

Research has shown that youth with low levels of fitness or little interest in organized sports and traditional physical education are more likely to participate in noncompetitive outdoor physical activity. However, little is known about what influences youths’ decisions to participate in these activities. This study examined rural young adolescents’ experiences of participating in noncompetitive outdoor physical activity. In depth qualitative interviews were conducted with young adolescents aged 11-13 years (N = 24) from one rural middle school to elicit detailed descriptions of experiences of participation in outdoor physical activities. Interview transcripts were analyzed inductively and emergent themes related to young adolescents’ participation in outdoor, noncompetitive physical activity were identified. Twelve themes were categorized as either respondents’ relationship with the outdoors, activity preferences, and external conditions that determine participation. The results of the study indicate the presence of a complex dynamic relationship of social and physical environmental factors influencing young adolescents’ participation in outdoor activities. These include parental and peer influence, personal choice and enjoyment, spending time outdoors, appreciation for nature, availability of equipment, and previous experiences of participation. More research is needed to corroborate the results of the study and to better understand youths’ preferences for noncompetitive versus competitive physical activity. Keywords: Motivation, Phenomenological Interviewing, Physical Activity, Rural, Symbolic Interactionism, Young Adolescents Continually engaging in adequate levels of physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits later in life including a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, various forms of cancer, and other chronic diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004). Research has shown that physical activity behaviors may have their roots in childhood (Gordon-Larsen, Nelson, & Popkin, 2004; Tammelin, 2005). The development of positive physical activity behaviors during childhood has been shown to be associated with an increased likelihood of maintaining physical activity during adulthood (Gordon-Larsen et al., 2004; Tammelin, 2005; Thompson, Humbert, & Mirwald, 2003). Therefore it is important to understand the aspects of physical activities and the contexts within which children and adolescents participate in physical activity to foster the early development of positive habits. Longitudinal studies of youth predictors of physical activity during adulthood find the strongest relationships to be directly attributed to the natural athletic abilities of children (Tammelin, 2005; Telama, Yang, Laakso, & Viikari, 1997). Children with increased fitness, physical activity self-efficacy, and participation in competitive sports are more likely to be active as children and adults. A primary concern then is to increase the levels of physical activity of children who are not fit, have low perceived competence in their abilities, or do