Physical self-perception and motor performance in normal-weight, overweight and obese children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric obesity
• Child psychology
• Sports science

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential impacts on physical and psychological well-being.
• Understanding the interplay between body image, self-perception, and physical capabilities is crucial for development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationships between physical self-perception, body image, and motor performance in Italian middle school students.
• To explore how weight status (normal, overweight, obese) influences these relationships.
• To examine the mediating role of body dissatisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 260 middle school students, categorized by weight status (normal, overweight, obese).
• Utilized questionnaires for perceived coordination, body fat, sports competence, and perceived physical ability.
• Measured body image using Child Figure Drawings and assessed motor performance through various physical tests.

Main Results:

• Overweight and obese children, particularly girls, reported lower physical competence and higher body dissatisfaction compared to normal-weight peers.
• Body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical self-perception in boys.
• Physical self-perception also mediated the link between BMI and body dissatisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Obesity adversely affects motor performance and physical self-perception in children.
• Body image and self-perception are significantly linked to weight status and motor skills.
• Interventions addressing body dissatisfaction may be beneficial for improving physical self-perception in overweight and obese boys.