Do peers matter? A review of peer and/or friends' influence on physical activity among American adolescents

This systematic review investigated the relationship between peer and/or
friend variables and physical activity among adolescents by
synthesising cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental research
conducted in the US. Seven electronic databases were searched to
identify related articles published within the last 10 years and the
articles reviewed included adolescents between 10 and 18 years. Studies
reporting a measure of physical activity for adolescents and at least
one potential peer and/or friend variable were included. Research
demonstrated that peers and friends have an important role to play in
the physical activity behaviour of adolescents. Six processes were
identified through which peers and/or friends may have an influence on
physical activity including: peer and/or friend support, presence of
peers and friends, peer norms, friendship quality and acceptance, peer
crowds, and peer victimization. The theoretical significance of these
results is assessed and the development of peer-related physical
activity programs for adolescents is discussed.