Research Emphasis:
Our research energies are directed toward developing an understanding of the link between social, developmental, motivational, and emotional processes in physical activity settings. In particular, we are interested in:
- How relationships with peers and other social agents (e.g., parents) influence (or not) general physical activity attitudes and behavior, attitudes toward physical education, attitudes toward the physical self, coping processes, perceptions of burnout in sport, and character development.
- How physical activity settings afford (or not) opportunity to develop social skills, social support, and positive relationships.
- How physical activity may offer mental health benefits.
Current Research Projects:
We have a number of projects underway that address elements of the general research emphasis described above. For example, students are conducting or developing thesis projects exploring topics such as peer relationships and body image, attachment and health behavior, self-comparison styles and physical self-perceptions, coping with stress in sport, parent socialization via child sport involvement, and moral decision-making in sport. Also, we are conducting larger-scale projects that target physical activity-related cognitive, social, affective, and behavioral outcomes.
Peer Relationships and Youth Physical Activity Project
We are pursuing a longitudinal project designed to improve our understanding of youth peer relationships in the physical activity domain and how these relationships associate with physical activity motivation. Later phases of the project will involve testing of peer-based interventions designed to promote physical activity. This project is funded by the Purdue Research Foundation and the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts (Dean’s Incentive Grant).
Social Relationships and Support in Dragon Boat Programs for Breast Cancer Survivors
This project tracks the development of social relationships and social support among participants in a newly forming dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors. A dragon boat is a 22-person canoe-like boat. This activity has become popular among breast cancer survivors around the world because of the fitness and social opportunities it affords. In this study we are following the participants in a new team across their first year using interviews and questionnaires to examine the development of those social relationships and the impact they have on outcomes including coping with the challenges of being a breast cancer survivor, athletic identity, and positive psychological growth. This project is funded by a Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Research Incentive Grant.
Lafayette School Corporation Physical Education Progress
Along with department colleagues with expertise in physical education pedagogy (Drs. Bonnie Blankenship and Tom Templin), we are collaborating with Lafayette School Corporation physical education teachers to enhance physical education experiences of sixth- through eighth-grade students. Our group is evaluating the effects of professional development experiences for district teachers on student motivation, student skill development, and teacher socialization and development. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant.
Purdue Athletes Life Success (PALS)
In this project we are examining the effects of participating in PALS, a sport and life skills day camp for low-income youth, on participants’ psychological, academic, and behavioral outcomes. In particular, we are interested in whether the social relationships participants build with other campers and with camp staff during their time at PALS influences outcomes such as physical activity behavior, self-esteem, and hope for the future. This project is funded by a Kinley Trust Grant from Purdue University.
Physical Activity Contexts Project
In collaboration with Dr. Phil Troped, a department colleague in Public Health, we are exploring youth perceptions of neighborhood built environment and social networks as they link to physical activity behavior. We are interested in the interface of physical/built and social contexts and how this interface affords or discourages physically active living in young people. This project is funded by a Kinley Trust Grant from Purdue University.
Before-School Physical Activity Intervention
In collaboration with colleagues at University of Vermont, we are conducting research to assess the potential impact of before-school interventions on cognitive, motor, and social/behavioral functioning in young children (grades K-2) with and without attentional and behavioral challenges. We are examining the potential impact of creative, art-based programs as well as physical activity programs. This project is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
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