Sedentary Behaviour and the Social and Physical Environment

Citation

Gorely T & Ryde G (2018) Sedentary Behaviour and the Social and Physical Environment. In: Leitzmann M, Jochem C & Schmid D (eds.) Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology. Springer Series on Epidemiology and Public Health. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, pp. 545-564. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61552-3_24

Abstract
Sedentary behaviour is influenced by factors across all levels of the social ecological model. This chapter focuses on the physical and social environmental level of analysis. The chapter summarizes environmental correlates of sedentary behaviour, addresses potential theoretical approaches, and examines the evidence for the effectiveness of environmental interventions on sedentary behaviour. Where relevant, the discussion is separated into young people, adults, and older adults. Some features of the home and workplace have been shown to be associated with sedentary behaviour; however, less is known about influences on sedentary behaviour in other contexts. Theoretical perspectives that may be particularly relevant when considering environmental influences are discussed, including social cognitive theory, habit theory, social network analysis, and systems theory. The theories employed need to try and capture the complex interrelationships between individuals, the groups they operate within and the physical and social context. There is evidence to suggest that incorporating environmental modifications into sedentary behaviour interventions is likely to be effective for both young people and adults.