Perceived neighborhood walkability and physical exercise: An examination of casual communication in a social process. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamamoto, Masahiro; Jo, Hyerim
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 51(2018:May)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Interpersonal communication -- Weak ties -- Neighborhood walkability -- Anonymity -- Social cohesion -- Physical exercise; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the accumulated evidence for the environmental correlates of physical activity, social processes underlying this association are not entirely clear. This study positions communication characterized by weak ties as a social mechanism linking neighborhood walkability with physical exercise. Data from a survey of Chicago residents show that perceived neighborhood walkability is positively related to frequency of weak-tie communication. Frequency of weak-tie communication is related positively to perceived social cohesion and negatively to anonymity, both of which are significantly related to frequency of physical exercise in the neighborhood. Data also show a sequential indirect relationship involving perceived neighborhood walkability, weak-tie communication, anonymity, and physical exercise. Implications are discussed in terms of the role of communication in promoting locality-based physical exercise. Highlights: We study weak-tie communication with neighbors in relation to physical exercise. Perceived neighborhood walkability is positively related to weak-tie communication. Weak-tie communication is positively related to perceived social cohesion. Weak-tie communication is negatively related to anonymity in the neighborhood. Perceived social cohesion and anonymity are related to physical exercise.