Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity (PA) among young people (aged 18–29) is influenced by multiple perceptual barriers across different ecological levels. This mini-review synthesizes evidence from 27 studies to identify and categorize these barriers using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. To review and synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence on perceived barriers to PA in this age group, focusing on a multilevel analysis based on an ecological model and utilizing health theoretical frameworks, this study was conducted.
Methods: A systematic synthesis of studies from diverse geographical and socio-cultural contexts was conducted. Barriers were analyzed across five levels of Bronfenbrenner’s model: microsystem (individual and social), mesosystem (interactions between settings), exosystem (external environments), macrosystem (cultural/societal norms), and chronosystem (temporal influences).
Results: Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model as a foundation, we classified barriers into different levels: individual, social, environmental, and societal. At the microsystem level, psychological hurdles such as low motivation, fear of judgment, and poor self-confidence were prominent, alongside social factors like peer pressure and family responsibilities. The mesosystem uncovered issues like time constraints and inconsistent support networks, while the exosystem identified structural challenges, including limited access to facilities, financial barriers, and safety issues. Wider macrosystem influences involved cultural expectations, gender roles, and societal encouragement of inactive lifestyles, whereas the chronosystem pointed to time-related difficulties, such as busy schedules and evolving lifestyle patterns. Overall, psychological barriers like low motivation and structural barriers such as lack of time and limited access to facilities were the most frequently cited impediments across the reviewed studies.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for multilevel interventions that combine individual-level psychological support with systemic changes such as policy reforms and improved infrastructure. This review provides a theoretically grounded framework to guide targeted strategies for enhancing PA engagement among youth.