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Personal incentives for exercise and body esteem: a canonical correlation analysis
M E Finkenberg1, J M Dinucci, S L McCune
1Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, USA.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Personal incentives for exercise moderately predict body esteem in women and men. Body esteem also influences exercise motivations, particularly for men regarding weight management and appearance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Body esteem is a multidimensional construct influencing psychological well-being.
- Exercise motivation is complex, driven by various personal incentives.
- Understanding the interplay between body esteem and exercise motivation is crucial for promoting physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between personal incentives for exercise and body esteem dimensions.
- To examine the predictive power of exercise incentives on body esteem and vice versa in a student population.
- To explore potential gender differences in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A correlational study design was employed.
- Participants (212 women, 93 men) in physical education courses completed the Personal Incentives for Exercise Questionnaire and the Body Esteem Scale.
- Canonical correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between variable sets.
Main Results:
- For women, exercise incentives modestly predicted weight concern and physical conditioning dimensions of body esteem, with minimal prediction for sexual attractiveness.
- Body esteem dimensions slightly predicted exercise investment in competition and weight management for women.
- For men, exercise incentives modestly predicted physical conditioning and slightly predicted physical attractiveness, but not upper body strength.
- Body esteem dimensions modestly predicted weight management incentives and slightly predicted appearance and affiliation for men.
Conclusions:
- Personal incentives for exercise have a notable, though modest, impact on various dimensions of body esteem for both genders.
- Body esteem also plays a role in shaping an individual's investment in specific exercise motivations, particularly for men.
- Findings highlight the bidirectional relationship between exercise motivation and body image, suggesting targeted interventions may be beneficial.