An Explanatory Model of Sport Motivation, Physical Self-Concept and Anxiety as a Function of the Degree of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Future Physical Education Teachers

Abstract

The present research has the objectives of establishing the relationship between motivational climate towards sport, anxiety, and physical self-concept, and identifying the existing relationships between anxiety, motivational climate, and physical self-concept, broken down into (a) developing an explanatory model of the motivational climate towards sport and its relationship with anxiety and physical self-concept, and (b) contrasting the structural model by means of a multi-group analysis according to the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A quantitative, comparative, non-experimental (ex post facto), cross-sectional study was carried out with a total sample of 556 participants (23.06 ± 6.23). The instruments used were an ad hoc questionnaire and the Spanish versions of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire 2, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Self-Concept Form-5, and the PREDIMED questionnaire. The data reveal that participants who show high adherence to the Mediterranean diet attain higher scores on physical self-concept and anxiety, as well as ego-climate. As a conclusion, it is observed that participants who show a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet show higher scores in physical self-concept and anxiety, as well as in all the variables that make up the ego-climate.

Associations of Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Wellbeing and Media Pressure on Physical Complexion and Effect of Weekly Physical Activity Engagement in Higher Education

“…Regular physical activity engagement also helps to improve body image, which leads to greater body satisfaction and, subsequently, better psychological wellbeing [ 41 ]. Physical sports engagement has been shown to induce the secretion of neurotransmitters which act directly on emotional wellbeing [ 11 ]. Research carried out by Christensen and Galbo [ 42 ] highlighted that the type of physical activity engaged in influences wellbeing perceptions.…”

“…Another issue that is very much present during adolescence and early adulthood is the preference for high-calorie foods [ 11 ]. The dietary pattern known as the Mediterranean diet was conceived from within the Mediterranean setting.…”

Mediterranean diet adherence on self-concept and anxiety as a function of weekly physical activity: an explanatory model in higher education

“…Regarding the physical dimension of self-concept, it was found that participants with a low level of physical activity showed a better effect of the Mediterranean diet in this area. Given such findings, Melguizo-Ibáñez et al ( 44 ) found that in adolescents and young adults, there is a greater concern for the care of body appearance. Likewise, the study carried out by Fernández-Bustos et al ( 45 ) found a higher level of self-concept for young people who show a moderate or vigorous level of physical activity.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life and Injuries in Physical Education Students: A Multi-Group Model According to the Degree of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet

“…It has been observed that the large supply of ready meals, convenience, or lack of time together with inexperience in shopping are the main reasons why the dietary pattern followed varies [12]. The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest dietary patterns currently available [13]. It is mainly based on the moderate consumption of foods originating from the Mediterranean area [13].…”

“…The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest dietary patterns currently available [13]. It is mainly based on the moderate consumption of foods originating from the Mediterranean area [13]. It includes a moderate intake of unsaturated fats, fish, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and a low intake of red meat and saturated fats [13].…”