Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

Tyler Prochnow (), Meg Patterson, M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Joseph Lightner, Luis Gomez and Joseph Sharkey
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Tyler Prochnow: School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Meg Patterson: School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
M. Renée Umstattd Meyer: Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
Joseph Lightner: School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Luis Gomez: School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Joseph Sharkey: School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Adolescent physical activity (PA) is significantly impacted by peer behaviors through peer influence, peer selection, and popularity. However, the scales for these social constructs may not fully capture the detailed social networks and mechanisms responsible for PA behavior changes. This level of detail and granularity can be quantified and analyzed through social network analysis (SNA). To demonstrate the variety, utility, and efficacy of SNA in adolescent PA research, this article aims to provide four case studies on the collection of social network and PA data on ethnically and racially diverse adolescents. Through case studies, this article provides tangible ways in which SNA can be used to evaluate social influences on PA behaviors. Case studies are presented on: (1) Youth Engagement in Sport—an egocentric analysis of middle school youth participation in an experiential sport program with 3- and 6-month follow-ups; (2) Summer care program networks—an egocentric and whole network longitudinal study of adolescents at summer care programs; (3) The Convoy method—a qualitative egocentric discussion activity with adolescents from colonias on the Texas-Mexico border; and (4) A father-focused, family-centered health program—an egocentric experimental analysis of children participating in a health program. Data collection procedures are listed and example surveys are provided. Descriptive analyses are included, as are recommendations on further analysis techniques for each type of network data. Using SNA, researchers can understand social contexts in a more specific manner, better positioning interventions to alter such influences.

Keywords: social influence; quantitative methods; data collection; adolescent; friendship networks; family systems; systems science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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