Table 5 Comparison of advice about exercise given to students by their parents and carers and the students corresponding attitudes and behaviours

Advice from parents and carers - "I am told that I ......"

Should build up my body

   Boys

32.9 (49)

25.4^a (675)

23.5^a (161)

31.5^bc (88)

11.98

**

   Girls

26.8 (56)

12.5^a (357)

8.1^ab (63)

12.5^a (22)

55.01

***

Should do more exercise

20.2 (72)

28.5^a (1596)

48.8^ab (713)

62.9^abc (321)

437.68

***

Do too much exercise

9.5 (34)

12.5 (697)

8.0^b (116)

10.0 (51)

25.79

***

Beliefs - "I feel that I ....."

Should develop my muscles

   Boys

74.5 (111)

77.0 (2098)

75.8 (519)

77.9 (218)

1.12

NS

   Girls

46.1 (95)

44.4 (1267)

43.5 (336)

46.7 (106)

0.97

NS

Need to build up my body

   Boys

66.9 (99)

62.3 (1700)

60.9 (413)

66.4 (184)

3.81

NS

   Girls

40.2 (82)

33.3 (947)

31.3 (240)

31.6 (71)

5.99

NS

Need to do more exercise

42.7 (152)

55.1^a (3068)

75.4^ab (1095)

84.7^abc (431)

379.12

***

Currently trying to build up my body

   Boys

54.4 (81)

59.5 (1619)

59.5 (405)

59.5 (165)

1.58

NS

   Girls

36.6 (76)

27.7^a (788)

24.6^a (188)

22.9^a (52)

14.55

**

Currently trying to get fitter

57.5 (206)

70.8^a (3939)

83.2^ab (1205)

87.7^ab (443)

190.32

***