Demographic dissimilarity and affective reactions to physical activity classes: The moderating effects of diversity beliefs

George B. Cunningham

Texas A&M University, USA

Citation

B. Cunningham, G. (2010). Demographic dissimilarity and affective reactions to physical activity classes: The moderating effects of diversity beliefs. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 41(4), 387-402.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of pro-diversity beliefs on college students’ reactions to physical activity classes. Data were collected from 157 students at a large public university in the Southwest United States. Structural equation modeling indicated that pro-diversity beliefs moderated the relationship between perceived race dissimilarity and satisfaction with others in the class. The effects were particularly strong among those who perceived themselves to be racially similar to the rest of their classmates. Satisfaction with classmates then held a positive association with satisfaction affective reactions to the class. The findings contribute to the diversity literature and have implications for class instruction.

Keywords: Affective reactions, Dissimilarity, Physical activity