Loading...
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a predictor of changes in physical self-concept in adolescents
Garn, Alex C. Morin, Alexandre J. S. White, Rhiannon L. Owen, Katherine B. Donley, Wayne Lonsdale, Chris
Garn, Alex C.
Morin, Alexandre J. S.
White, Rhiannon L.
Owen, Katherine B.
Donley, Wayne
Lonsdale, Chris
Abstract
Objective: Physical self-concept and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are fundamental components of adolescents’ health and well-being. Previous research suggests that physical self-concept and MVPA share reciprocal relations whereby physical self-concept is both an antecedent (i.e., self-enhancement) and outcome (i.e., skill development) of MVPA. However, these studies rely on subjective reports of MVPA, which can produce social desirability bias and challenge youth’s recall capabilities. In order to address this gap, we test a reciprocal effects model examining the interplay between adolescents’ physical self-concept and its facets and 7 days of objectively measured MVPA. Method: Australian adolescents (N = 1,767) completed 4,136 time-specific observations across 3 waves of data. Structural equation modeling was used to test the reciprocal effects model. Results: After controlling for body mass index and sex, results only supported the role of MVPA as an antecedent of physical self-concept. The percentage of time adolescents spent in MVPA during school was especially important to predicting a higher physical self-concept in the future. Conclusions: Findings did not support a reciprocal effects model of physical self-concept and objectively measured MVPA. Rather, physical self-concept and facets were outcomes of school-based MVPA, suggesting emphasis be placed on promoting adolescents’ physical activity participation. This study demonstrates the benefits that school MVPA provides to adolescents’ development of a positive physical self-concept, which is essential to optimizing long-term health and well-being.
Keywords
accelerometers, adolescence, physical activity, physical self-concept
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Health Psychology
Book
Volume
39
Issue
3
Page Range
190-198
Article Number
ACU Department
Non-faculty
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled