Examining the Behavioral, Psychological, and Environmental Variables Associated With Strength Training Engagement Among College Women

Introduction: Strength training has many mental and physical health outcomes, with gender differences in participation. The current study measured strength training (ST) participation among college-aged women and investigated how demographic, behavioral, psychological, environmental, and perceived benefits and barriers differ among women who meet ST recommendations versus those that do not. Methods: A cross-sectional study with college women had participants’ self-report on demographic, behavioral, psychological, and environmental variables, and perceived benefits and barriers. Descriptive statistics, T tests, and chi-squared analyses investigated differences between ST and non-ST participants. Univariate odds ratios examined differences between groups and hierarchical regression examined the variance in ST behavior. Results: Most participants (n = 217) identified as non-Hispanic White (78.3%) and heterosexual (85.1%), and 52.5% met ST recommendations. There were significant differences between ST participants and non-ST for race/ethnicity, history of ST prior to college (χ² = 13.96), perceived stress, depression (F = 12.58), weight attitude, gym avoidance (F = 28.47), access to ST equipment off campus, perceived psychological benefit (F = 13.10) and perceived time effort (F = 55.72), physical (F = 47.84), social (F = 34.67), and specific barriers. Hierarchical regression analysis showed 48.9% of variation in meeting ST recommendations; significant variables, included race/ethnicity, weight attitude (weight loss and weight maintenance), history of ST prior to college (odds ratios = 3.8), perceived psychological benefit, and perceived time-effort barrier (odds ratios = 0.422). Conclusions: There was significant variance in the measured variables between women who met ST recommendations and those that did not. Furthermore, about half the variance in meeting ST recommendations was accounted for by the measured variables, suggesting interventions should utilize a targeted approach on perceived benefits and barriers.