Primary School Pupils’ Self-Concept In The Context Of Their Body Mass Index

Abstract

The level of school maturity is a deciding factor in the child's qualification for the start of compulsory school attendance. If dispositions developed by the learning process and social environment are added to this attribute, we can talk about school readiness. School readiness comprises factors related to the level of child's self-concept, which includes intellect, popularity in class, freedom from anxiety, feelings of happiness and satisfaction as well as physical appearance and attributes. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between the level of body mass index and self-concept of pupils in primary education. The research group consisted of 300 pupils (149 boys, 151 girls) at middle school age (9 -11 years). 3 subgroups were created based on weight according to age and gender: underweight children, children with normal weight and overweight or obese children (Cole, Bellizzi, Flegal, Dietz, 2000). The area of self-concept factors was measured using the Piers-Harris questionnaire (Piers & Herzberg, 2009).It was assumed that the overweight and obese sample would display a tendency for low self-confidence.Gender differences were, however, found in the level of self-concept (U=9492.50; p=0.02). There was relationship between children's weight and self-concept. This topic is important as with this knowledge, support programs and intervention projects can be created dealing with self-concept issues even at preschool and primary levels..