Morrison, LindsayMcDonough, Meghan H.Zimmer, ChantelleDin, CariHewson, JenniferToohey, AnnCrocker, Peter R. E.Bennett, Erica V.2023-04-142023-04-142023-03-22Morrison, L., McDonough, M. H., Zimmer, C., Din, C., Hewson, J., Toohey, A., Crocker, P. R., & Bennett, E. V. (2023). Instructor social support in the group physical activity context: Older participants’ perspectives. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, ahead of print, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0140https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/1880/116071Accepted author manuscript version reprinted, by permission, from Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0140. © Human Kinetics, Inc.Instructors in organized physical activity classes can be a source of social support through their relationships with participants, influence on participants’ interactions with each other, and design of activities. Grounded in interpretive description, the objective of this study was to examine older adults’ experiences of and their perspectives on group physical activity instructors’ supportive behaviors. Observations of 16 group physical activity classes (N = 295) and focus groups or interviews with N = 38 class participants aged ≥ 55 (n = 29 women) were conducted at four municipal recreation facilities in a Canadian city. Five themes shed light on how instructors provided social support: (a) supporting autonomous engagement, (b) developing caring connections, (c) fostering trust through expert instruction, (d) managing conflict directly and effectively, and (e) creating a climate where people want to go. Instructor training should consider older adults’ social support needs and help instructors embody behaviors that support continued physical activity participation, thereby contributing to healthy aging.enUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Articlehttps://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0140