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. 2018 Sep-Oct;32(5):473-480.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2018.04.002. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Factors Associated With Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among Adolescents

Colleen M McGovern, Lisa K Militello, Kimberly J Arcoleo, Bernadette M Melnyk

Factors Associated With Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among Adolescents

Colleen M McGovern et al. J Pediatr Health Care. 2018 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Objective: Guided by cognitive theory, this study tested an explanatory model for adolescents' beliefs, feelings, and healthy lifestyle behaviors and sex differences in these relationships.

Methods: Structural equation modeling evaluated cross-sectional data from a healthy lifestyle program from 779 adolescents 14 through 17 years old.

Results: Theoretical relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors were confirmed and sex differences identified. Thoughts had a direct effect on feelings and an indirect effect through feelings on healthy behaviors for both sexes. A direct effect from thoughts to behaviors existed for males only.

Discussion: Findings provide strong support for the thinking-feeling-behaving triangle for adolescents. To promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents, interventions should incorporate cognitive behavioral skills-building activities, strengthening healthy lifestyle beliefs, and enhancing positive health behaviors.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01704768.

Keywords: Adolescent physical and mental health; cognitive behavior skills; healthy lifestyle behaviors; path analysis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Bernadette Melnyk has a company, COPE2THRIVE, that disseminates the COPE program. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
The cognitive behavioral therapy model of how thoughts affect feelings and behaviors.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Structural equation model for thinking, feeling, and behavior triangle: Males. *p < .05 **p < .01 ***p < .0001
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Structural equation model for thinking, feeling, and behavior triangle: Females. *p < .05 **p < .01 ***p < .0001
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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