The relationship between intra-group age similarity and exercise adherence

Abstract

Background: Research within social and organizational psychology is replete with evidence for a positive relationship between intra-group demographic similarity and group-based attraction/involvement. This relationship, however, remains largely unexplored within applied health settings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which intra-group age similarity relates to individual adherence behaviors within group-based exercise programs.

Methods: A prospective observational design was used in which participants' (N=123) age similarity was assessed in relation to program adherence over a period of several months. Data were collected from within a large city in Western Canada during the winter of 2011. Analyses were performed using a multilevel framework shortly after data collection.

Results: A positive relationship was observed between age similarity and program adherence (β=0.19, SE=0.09, p=0.04).

Conclusions: The findings are consistent with the notion that program adherence may be enhanced if age similarity is maximized.