Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness

Abstract

Previous researchers have found that low body satisfaction may be a barrier to engaging in physical activity. Therefore, this research examines the association between self-concept, body dissatisfaction, fitness, and weight status in adolescents. The sample was formed by 303 students from primary schools, (males (n = 150) and female (n = 153)) aged 10 to 13 years (M = 11.74; SD = 0.86). Initially, participants’ BMIs, as well as waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. Later, all individuals answered a questionnaire about their perception of self-concept and body image perception. Moreover, agility run test and 6-min walking test were developed to assess children’s physical fitness. Results showed self-concept differences according to different fitness level. Moreover, some factors from self-concept emerged as relevant to explain body dissatisfaction. Finally, outcomes suggest the importance of physical fitness and the perception of competence and self-esteem in adolescent boys and girls, so these two issues might be promoted in primary school classes to improve body satisfaction.

Prediction of Adolescent Physical Self-Concept through Autonomous Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs in Spanish Physical Education Students

“…First, the results of the model reported that the three basic psychological needs were related to each other in a positive and significant way, as postulated by the SDT, and in addition, these variables were also related to autonomous motivation in physical education and the students' physical self-concept. More specifically, this study was in line with the work by Sánchez-Miguel et al [52], who found a positive relationship between the physical self-concept of physical education students and the perception of physical competence, as well as with that of Boyd et al [53] and Conde-Pipó et al [34] where the physical self-concept was correlated with intrinsic motivation. Along these lines, the study by Martín-Albo et al [33] on the relationships between intrinsic motivation, self-concept, and satisfaction with life, concluded that intrinsic motivation had a direct effect on physical self-concept.…”

“…Finally, regarding the indications to work on its promotion, by professionals from educational institutions, the scientific literature in recent intervention studies [52] indicates that the work on acceptance of one's own body during physical education classes is a fundamental aspect to improve the physical self-concept of young people.…”

Gender-Typed Sport Practice, Physical Self-Perceptions, and Performance-Related Emotions in Adolescent Girls

“…In a large group of adolescent boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes, Marsh [18] found systematically higher physical self-concept in athletes than in non-athletes, with girls showing higher differences than boys. In early adolescent girls, physical activity [19] and organized sport practice [20] were positively linked to physical self-concept, while better performance in fitness tests was found to improve their physical self-concept, perceived competence, and self-esteem [21]. In a recent approach to self-concept, Marsh, Martin, Yeung, and Craven [3] considered it reasonable to conceptualize and measure self-concept facets that are domain-specific.…”

High Physical Self-Concept Benefits on School Adjustment of Korean Student-Athletes

“…Through winning awards, the student-athletes consider themselves competent in sports, and this feeling of achievement appears to benefit their school adjustment. Therefore, we recommend encouraging appreciation of physical activity rather than sporting competence among students without award-winning experience, especially because steady exercise is rewarding even without a physical token of victory [40]. Our suggestion finds support in data showing that participation rates increase with greater awareness of physical activity's benefits [41].…”