Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness

Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel, Francisco Miguel Leo, Diana Amado Alonso, David Hortigüela-Alcalá, Miguel Angel Tapia-Serrano and Ernesto De La Cruz-Sánchez
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Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel: Department of Didactics of Music, Plastic and Body Expression, Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Francisco Miguel Leo: Department of Didactics of Music, Plastic and Body Expression, Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Diana Amado Alonso: Faculty of Juridical and Social Sciences, Centre for Sport Studies, Physical Education Area, King Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
David Hortigüela-Alcalá: Department of Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
Miguel Angel Tapia-Serrano: Department of Didactics of Music, Plastic and Body Expression, Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Ernesto De La Cruz-Sánchez: Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Previous researchers have found that low body satisfaction may be a barrier to engaging in physical activity. Therefore, this research examines the association between self-concept, body dissatisfaction, fitness, and weight status in adolescents. The sample was formed by 303 students from primary schools, (males ( n = 150) and female ( n = 153)) aged 10 to 13 years ( M = 11.74; SD = 0.86). Initially, participants’ BMIs, as well as waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. Later, all individuals answered a questionnaire about their perception of self-concept and body image perception. Moreover, agility run test and 6-min walking test were developed to assess children’s physical fitness. Results showed self-concept differences according to different fitness level. Moreover, some factors from self-concept emerged as relevant to explain body dissatisfaction. Finally, outcomes suggest the importance of physical fitness and the perception of competence and self-esteem in adolescent boys and girls, so these two issues might be promoted in primary school classes to improve body satisfaction.

Keywords: physical activity; body-mass index; self-concept; Stunkard images (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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