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Abstract. This paper is based on the fact, experience and concerns of many physical educators & teachers about the severe decline in levels of physical activity and the ways in which, incorporation & teaching of physical activity is carried out. This paper deals with the theoretical psychological basis of physical activity and interventions carried out in measurement of this dimension. This paper tries to bring out the relevance of psychological determinants of physical activity and how these need to substantially dealt with so as to bring about a major shift in physical activity levels of individuals, it also tries to bring to light the various instruments measuring the affective domain related to physical activity and substantiates the importance of assessment of affective domain in physical activity.
Key words: Attitudes, Physical Activity, Measurement, Theories of physical activity.
1. Introduction
Physical activity forms the crux of any major physical education programs at school levels. Regular physical activity and the attitudes toward it can only be developed in the school years. As children make the transformation into adults many developmental changes occur. Importance of roles of family members subside while the peers take the charge leading to change in thinking patterns, mental makeup. Social support, influence from the peers in this phase, serve as a basis for establishment of some lifelong behavior patterns or habits carried through the adulthood. One such behavior pattern or habit is maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Physical educators recognize the influence attitudes have on the performance and exercise behavior of students. Most of the time, the teacher is interested in the students' behavior during active participation in some forms of movement experience. They look for attitudinal characteristics that demonstrate a student's commitment to a planned program of physical activity. Studies have shown that individuals who are physically active during adolescence continue to be physically active adults and exhibit a healthy and active lifestyle. (Dishman, 1988; Kuh & Cooper, 1992). Adolescents who had more experience with physical activity and sports prior to age fifteen had a higher psychological readiness for physical activity at thirty years of age. Recent research establishes relationship of physical activity and health and fitness benefits. (Biddle 2008). The onset of physical inactivity and increased sedentary lifestyle during adolescence...