The centre for Health Promotion Research, Halmstad University

Abstract

Sport participation or regular physical activity is often seen as a factor which leads to better health and well-being. Sport also has a social function, as most of the activities are performed together with other people. However, while club sports in Sweden have a stimulating effect on young men, there is a risk that they do not provide enough scope for young women; especially early specialisation and high level of seriousness do not suit all young sportswomen. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical understanding in what way sport has influenced young women's life styles in terms of their attitudes to physical activity in adult life. The data was collected using interviews and analysed using the constant comparative method. The results showed that young women's physically active life styles varied depending on how they evaluated their sport in combination with how they handled their sport. Sport was regarded as having a positive effect on health and well-being. This led to the young women studied intending to pursue a physically active life style also in adult life. They enjoyed participating in sport, but not particularly sport with a high level of seriousness or a high level of vigour, which is what characterises most club sports today.

Keywords

Constant comparative method, Life style, Physical activity, Sport, Young women

Contact

Fridlund, Bengt

Institution

The centre for Health Promotion Research, Halmstad University

Postaddress

Box 823

Postcode

301 18 HALMSTAD

Country

Sweden

E-mail

Bengt.fridlund@ihv.hh.se

Phone

+ 46 35 16 74 11

Fax

+ 46 35 18 75 80