Abstract
The overall goal of this research was to assess the outcomes of a group-based healthy lifestyle program, entitled ‘Go Girls’, among a sample of adolescent girls (n = 224). Drawing from social cognitive theory and the group dynamics literature, psychosocial (physical activity and friend self-efficacy, physical activity intentions, body image) and behavioural (physical activity) constructs were assessed immediately before (Time 1) and immediately after the 7-week program (Time 2). The results revealed that between Time 1 (start of the Go Girls program) and Time 2 (end of Go the Girls program), participants reported significant increases in physical activity behavior (d = 0.24, p < .001), physical activity intentions (d = 0.12, p < .005) and significant improvements in body image (d = 0.12, p < .03). Significant increases in self-efficacy beliefs to make friends were also found among girls who reported low ratings of friend self-efficacy at baseline (d = 0.37, p < .01). Results of this study provide support for the efficacy of this program to support the development of active living, conceptions of body image, as well as confidence to make friends among the program participants.Acknowledgments: CIHR; Ontario Ministry of Education; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada