University Students’ Negotiation of Physical Activity and Sport Participation Constraints

Abstract

University (i.e., college) students often encounter constraints to physical activity and sport participation that alter, or totally prevent, participation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-year university students’ negotiation of participation constraints and how their negotiation strategies had changed following the transition from high school to a university (transition). Data were collected from 121 first-year students at a New Zealand university using an online questionnaire. Data were collected on the duration, frequency, and types of physical activity in relation to high school and university, sociodemographic variables, and students’ use of negotiation strategies. Changes in negotiation and participation following the transition were assessed using open-ended questions. Following the transition, students’ participation preferences/patterns had changed. Analysis revealed three prominent negotiation factors: well-being management, interpersonal, and time prioritization and financial management. Differences in negotiation based on sociodemographic variables and participation were also revealed. The relationships between motives, negotiation, constraints, and participation were also explored.