A longitudinal assessment of the links between physical activity and physical self-worth in adolescent females

Eur J Sport Sci. 2013;13(6):716-22. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2013.775349. Epub 2013 Mar 12.

Abstract

A longitudinal framework was used to examine the hypotheses of (1) whether physical activity predicts changes in physical self-worth or (2) whether physical self-worth predicts changes in physical activity in adolescent girls. Participants (n=272) completed measures of physical self-worth and participation in physical activities at three different points spanning a two-year interval. A cross-lagged panel model using structural equation modelling analyses indicated that physical self-worth predicted subsequent physical activity and physical activity in turn predicted subsequent physical self-worth across time. Findings demonstrated a reciprocal relationship between physical self-worth and physical activity during early adolescence. This study supports the use of the reciprocal effects model (REM) in gaining an understanding of the cross-lagged relationships between physical self-worth and participation in physical activities amongst adolescent girls.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Self Concept*