We examined the differences in physical self‐perception and motivation toward physical activity in early‐ and mid‐adolescent girls. Body Mass Index (BMI) and pubertal status, assessed by means of the Tanner scale, were collected in 11‐year‐old (n = 74) and 13‐year‐old girls (n = 60). The assessment included six scales from the Physical Self‐Description Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and the Situational Intrinsic Motivation Scale. Age differences emerged, with older girls showing a poorer physical perception and lower scores in intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of physical activity. In the subsample of 11‐year‐olds, findings showed that more developed girls reported a poorer physical perception on the scales of body fat, global physical self‐concept, and appearance, and a lower score in the PACES positive scale. Results underscore the need to promote interventions aimed at encouraging active lifestyles among children and adolescent girls, in order to prevent overweight prior to pubertal onset.

Morningness-eveningness personality and creative thinking were investigated in a sample of young people who play recreational sports. Results showed that male participants were more eveningness-oriented than females; evening types had lower scores in creative thinking, although these were not statistically significant; the elaboration factor of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1989) was positively correlated with taking part in sport activities in the whole sample; and the elaboration and fluidity factors were negatively correlated with intermediate and morningness dispositions. The relationship between the number of hours per week of sport activity, morningness-eveningness personality, and creative thinking was also explored.Personality psychology researchers have explored two personality typologies: morning types − who go to bed early, wake up early in the morning, are active SOCIAL

Age-related differences in actual and perceived physical activity were investigated in a sample of adolescent girls, also considering the relationship between physical activity and motor abilities. Self-reported physical activity was measured in 11-year-old (n=66) and 13-year-old (n=52) girls by means of the physical activity questionnaire-children form, and actual levels of activity were assessed by means of the Lifecorder uniaxial accelerometer. The Sit-and-Reach Test was employed to estimate flexibility, while lower limb strength was measured by squat jump and counter-movement jump tests. Weight and height were measured, and sex-specific age-related body mass index cutoff points were used to identify overweight and obesity. Findings showed a drop in objective vigorous physical activity in older girls, which was also reflected in the physical activity questionnaire. Contrary to expectations, no association was found between motor abilities and measured physical activity. Results highlight the need to understand the reasons why girls progressively reduce their involvement in physical activity as they get older, so as to plan interventions aimed at preventing this decline.

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