The social-ecological model represents a multifaceted approach to understanding factors that influence physical activity behavior. It considers interactions between individual characteristics and behaviors and the social and physical environments, as well as policy-level influences. The model examines four levels of influence: individual, social environment, physical environment, and policy domains. Effective physical activity interventions are multidimensional and understand that many interrelated factors across these domains influence individual behavior.

1. The SocialEcological Model
A multifaceted Approach

2. Key Concept
 The social-ecological model
represents a multifaceted
approach to getting people active.
 The social-ecological model is used
to better understand human
behaviour and it’s interactions with
the social and physical
environments and the effect of
policy decisions made by
governments and organisations.

3. Overview
 There are many factors that influence a persons
engagement with physical activity programs
 Understanding these factors allows programmers to
develop programs that better ‘fit’ the individual

4. Overview
 Previous models of physical activity intervention (such as
the Stages of Change model or the “Self Efficacy” model
focused solely on the individual.
 Effective physical activity interventions are
multidimensional and understand that not one factor that
influences the individual but many.

5. Overview
 The underlying core principles of the social-ecological model
concern the interrelationships between the different levels of
influence (of PA behaviour) on the individual.
 The social-ecological model looks at the interrelationships
between the following areas:
 The Individual domain
 The Social Environment domain
 The Physical environment domain
 The Policy domain

6. The Social-Ecological Model

7. Level 1- The Individual Domain
 Is at the center of the model as
ultimately we are trying to
affect a change in physical
activity behaviour of
individuals

8. Level 1- The Individual Domain
 At this level, age, gender, self-
efficacy, knowledge, values,
attitudes, beliefs and
preferences are all important
factors
 However it has to be
recognised that external
factors will also effect the
individual

9. Level 2: The Social Environment Domain
 The first of the external forces
acting on the individual
 The influence of people close
to us affect our behaviour
 Family, friends, peers and
organisations

10. Level 2: The Social Environment Domain
 This domain also includes any
individual, organisation, business
or institution that collectively
comprise the larger societal fabric
 Schools, workplaces and
community organisations (such as
sporting clubs) influence our
behaviours in very real ways,
encouraging and supporting active
behaviour.

11. Level 3: The Physical Environment Domain
 This domain includes the natural
and man made influences on a
persons ability to be active
 It includes things like roads,
parks, public transport, shops,
housing, commercial business
and factories.
 These factors may encourage or
discourage physical activity
depending on design and
location.

12. Level 3: The Physical Environment Domain
 For people to be able to
participate in a physically active
lifestyle, good urban planning is
required.
 This includes good planning of
open spaces for games, dog
parks, jogging/walking and
cycling paths which are safe,
practical and have good lighting
 People need easy access and
safety

13. Level 4: The Policy Domain
 Policy is defined as an
authoritative decision made by a
local, state or federal government
body.
 This domain refers to the policies,
laws and regulations by which we
live.
 These policies, laws and
regulations effect our ability to
live a healthy life
 Environmental change is included
in this domain

14. Level 4: The Policy Domain
 Policies of schools and workplaces that
encourage activity are important in
developing a healthy workforce and
nation
 Government policy and funding can do
the following things:
 Create physical and natural
environmental change
 Create jobs through skills and training
 Funding for sports grounds and clubs
 Change taxes for sports clubs