Self-concept and health status in elementary-school-aged children

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to measure the relationship between self-concept and physical fitness, health indicators, and health habits in elementary-school-aged children. Instruments included the Martinek-Zaichowsky Self-Concept Scale for Children and a self-administered questionnaire for parents pertaining to family health habits and health history. Children (N = 61) were screened for health and fitness indicators: height, weight, body mass index, 1-mile walk-run time, shuttle run time, and number of curl-ups. Results showed a positive relationship between self-concept and regular exercise and between self-concept and curl-ups. No gender difference was noted in the relationship between self-concept and physical fitness.