GENDER ROLES AND THE PERCEPTION OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Abstract

Exercise has important health benefits and yet a large proportion of the population is physically inactive despite acknowledging that exercise is good for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between gender roles (the masculine gender role trait in particular), stages of exercise adoption, and the perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise participation. Two hundred and twenty-two undergraduates (112 males, 110 females) and one hundred and forty of their parents (59 fathers, 81 mothers) completed a measure of gender role orientation (Singapore Androgyny Inventory), current level of exercise participation (Stages of Exercise Adoption), and perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise participation (Benefits and Barriers to Exercise Questionnaire). Results indicate that those scoring high on masculinity, regardless of gender, perceived more benefits and fewer barriers to exercise participation when compared to low scorers. Those in the more advanced stages of exercise adoption were also found to perceive more benefits and fewer barriers to exercise participation. Additional analysis revealed that gender roles (i.e. androgynous, masculine, feminine, undifferentiated) was significantly related to mean benefit and barrier scores, and stages of exercise adoption. Such findings underscore the importance of taking into account individual differences so as the enhance the potential impact of exercise interventions.