Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Self-perceptions in children with probable developmental coordination disorder with and without overweight
Johannes J Noordstar1, M J M Volman2
1Bachelor Program Cesar Kinetics Therapy, University of Applied Sciences, Department of Child, Family & Education Studies, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Child, Family & Education Studies, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
Background:
Children with probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD) experience motor problems that negatively influence their self-perceptions and increase the risk to develop overweight due to physical inactivity. Whether overweight in children with pDCD has an additional impact on their self-perceptions is unclear. Insight in this impact would provide vital information for diagnostics and interventions to enhance physical activity in children with pDCD and overweight.
Aims:
Investigate differences in self-perceptions between children with pDCD and overweight (pDCD-O), children with pDCD without overweight (pDCD-NO), and typically developing children (TD).
Methods And Procedures:
A total of 366 children (188 boys/178 girls), aged between 7 and 13 years, participated in this study. Thirteen children were categorized as pDCD-O, 51 children as pDCD-NO, and 302 children as TD. Self-perceptions were assessed with the Self-Perception Profile for Children.
Outcomes And Results:
Children with pDCD-O perceived themselves lower in social acceptance than children with pDCD-NO and TD children. Children with pDCD-NO perceived themselves lower in athletic competence than TD children, but not than children with pDCD-O. No differences were found for perceived physical appearance and global self-esteem.
Conclusions And Implications:
Overweight has an additional negative impact on perceived social acceptance in children with pDCD.
Related Concept Videos
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Self-Discrepancy Theory

