Samenhang tussen Fysieke Activiteit, Globaal Zelfbeeld en Fysieke Verschijning van Basisschoolkinderen

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the associations between global self-esteem and physical activity mediated by physical appearance, the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model (EXSEM) has been used as a theoretical framework. There is little knowledge about how these associations change over time in elementary schoolchildren. In specific children between 10 and 12 years old. We examined the change in, and associations between global self-esteem, physical activity and physical appearance in children between 10 and 12 years old. We also examined if this change and the associations were different for boys and girls. We examined the same change and associations for individual sports and team sports. Method: Global self-esteem and physical appearance were measured with the Self-Perceptions Profile for Children (SPPC) (n= 146, 76 boys), while physical activity was measured with a Dutch version of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) which was filled in by the children (n=129, 71 boys). Results: There is a small but significant correlation between global self-esteem and physical activity. Both had a significant correlation with physical appearance. There was no significant difference in correlation for global self-esteem and physical appearance between boys and girls, even though they correlated significant on individual level. There was no significant difference in correlation for global self-esteem and physical appearance between individual sports and team sports, even though they correlated significant om individual level. Boys have a significant higher physical appearance and physical activity in comparison to girls. There is a trend for a higher physical appearance with boys, but this was not significant. Conclusion: Physical activity contributes to a higher global self-esteem and physical appearance and is consistent with the EXSEM model. This association is similar for girls, but not for boys. There is no association between individual sports and team sports.