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Longitudinal changes in physical self-perceptions and associations with physical activity during adolescence
Jo Inchley1, Jo Kirby, Candace Currie
1Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK.
Pediatric Exercise Science
|June 3, 2011
Summary
Adolescents' physical self-perceptions influence physical activity. Girls reported lower perceptions, which declined over time, while boys showed mixed changes. Interventions promoting physical literacy and confidence are crucial, especially for girls.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Sports Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Physical self-perceptions are crucial for adolescent development and behavior.
- Understanding the longitudinal relationship between self-perceptions and physical activity is vital.
- Existing research highlights gender differences in physical activity and self-perception during adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal associations between physical self-perceptions and physical activity in adolescents.
- To investigate changes in exercise self-efficacy, perceived competence, global self-esteem, and physical self-worth from ages 11-15.
- To identify gender-specific patterns in the development of physical self-perceptions and their link to physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of data from the Physical Activity in Scottish Schoolchildren (PASS) study.
- Sample comprised 641 Scottish adolescents followed from age 11 to 15 years.
- Assessment of changes in key physical self-perception variables and physical activity levels over time.
Main Results:
- Girls consistently reported lower perceived competence, self-esteem, and physical self-worth than boys.
- Girls' physical self-perceptions significantly declined over the study period.
- Boys experienced a decrease in perceived competence but an increase in global self-esteem.
- Baseline physical activity predicted future activity levels in both genders.
- High perceived competence increased activity odds by 3.8 times in older boys.
- High exercise self-efficacy increased activity odds by 5.2 times in older girls.
Conclusions:
- Physical self-perceptions are significant predictors of physical activity behavior in adolescents.
- Targeted interventions are needed to enhance physical literacy and confidence, particularly for adolescent girls.
- Addressing gender disparities in physical self-perception is essential for promoting lifelong physical activity.
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