Applying Theory Of Planned Behavior To Examine Adolescent Female Athletes’ Intentions Of Continued Sport Participation

Abstract

Introduction Adolescent females discontinue sports at higher rates than males, which contributes to their lower overall physical activity during this important period of development. Potentially useful for understanding this disparity, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provides a framework to study one's intentions through their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This study examined whether TPB constructs predict female adolescents’ intentions to continue participating in sports and remain physically active. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire to collect data from 271 female adolescents who recently participated in organized sports. Structural equation modeling was used to test TPB's ability to predict participants’ intentions of continued sports participation and their intentions of regular exercise in one year. Results Structural equation models for both outcomes exhibited acceptable fit. Participants’ intention of participating in sports next year was predicted by attitudes ( β = 0.84, p < 0.001) and subjective norms ( β = 0.35, p = 0.005). Participants’ intentions of exercising next year were predicted by attitudes ( β = 0.30, p = 0.009), subjective norms ( β = 0.27, p = 0.009), and perceived behavioral control ( β = 0.28, p = 0.001). These findings support TPB as a useful framework for understanding female adolescents’ intentions and highlight the importance of enjoyment, parental support, and peer acceptance in sustaining sports participation and physical activity. Discussion Findings support TPB as a useful framework for understanding adolescent female athletes’ intentions of continued sports participation and future physical activity. Based on these findings, interventions to enhance continued girls’ sports participation should promote supportive, confidence-building environments, foster encouraging social interactions between teammates and peers, and reduce structural barriers related to access and cost. These approaches align with public health priorities and support pathways to lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity.

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