Graduate Program

Sports Administration

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Summer 2025

Thesis Director

James R. Barkley

Thesis Committee Member

Andrew J. Kerins

Thesis Committee Member

Sarah Daugherty

Abstract

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide. In general, people eat more and exercise less, with a lot of individuals not meeting World Health Organization recommendation of 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly. At times, individuals may face barriers which prevent or inhibit their ability to participate in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), exercise completed in one’s free time. These barriers are known as leisure constraints and are comprised of three categories: intrapersonal, feelings and psychological aspects; interpersonal, relationship aspects; and structural, physical aspects. Body image, the perception individuals have about their bodies and how they believe they should look, could be a constraint to LTPA participation. This study aimed to identify whether college-aged students experience constraints to LTPA, and whether body image acts as an intrapersonal constraint to LTPA, and Recreation Center use specifically. The study collected quantitative data using a survey. Students at Eastern Illinois University were recruited by the lead researcher in high-traffic areas of campus. The survey contained five sections: demographics, LTPA participation habits, leisure preferences, leisure constraints, and beliefs about appearance. The participants remained anonymous, and the responses kept confidential. Data was analyzed using principal components analysis and comparison of means. Participants were split into three groups based on Recreation Center usage: high, medium, and low. The high usage group exhibited the highest preference for LTPA, and the low usage group exhibited the highest level of constraint to LTPA. All groups exhibited similar beliefs about appearance.

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