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Test of structural relationships within a proposed exercise and self-esteem model
R J Sonstroem1, L L Harlow, L M Gemma
1Department of Physical Education, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Physical task self-efficacy (EFF) can boost global self-esteem (SE) through perceived physical competence (PC). This model explains how exercise experiences influence self-perception, with competence generalizing to higher self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Self-Perception Research
Background:
- Self-esteem (SE) is influenced by various life experiences.
- Exercise is a common activity that may impact psychological well-being.
- Understanding the mechanisms linking exercise to self-esteem is crucial for promoting mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a model explaining how self-efficacy for physical tasks influences global self-esteem.
- To investigate the mediating role of perceived physical competence in this relationship.
- To provide preliminary validity for a model examining exercise's impact on self-perception.
Main Methods:
- Administered measures of self-efficacy (EFF), perceived physical competence (PC), and self-esteem (SE) to 145 adults.
- Employed confirmatory factor analysis to examine measurement models.
- Utilized structural equation modeling to test the proposed theoretical model.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct but correlated factors for EFF, PC, and SE.
- The proposed model demonstrated the most parsimonious fit among tested alternatives.
- The model successfully explained 29% of the variance in global self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the proposed model's validity.
- Findings suggest that self-efficacy in physical tasks can generalize to enhance global self-esteem via perceived physical competence.
- The model offers a framework for understanding how exercise experiences shape self-perception.