Citation

Yamamoto M, Jo H. Health Place 2018; 51: 28-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.02.006

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Anonymity; Interpersonal communication; Neighborhood walkability; Physical exercise; Social cohesion; Weak ties