Effects of Physical Self-Concept, Emotional Isolation, and Family Functioning on Attitudes towards Physical Education in Adolescents: Structural Equation Analysis

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 21;17(1):94. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010094.

Abstract

(1) Background: The present research seeks to define and contrast an explanatory model of physical self-concept, emotional isolation, attitude towards physical education, and family functioning, and analyse the existing associations between these variables. (2) Methods: The sample was made up of 2388 adolescents (43.39% male and 56.61% female), with ages of 11-17 years (M = 13.85; SD = 1.26) from Spain. Self-concept (AF-5), Isolation (UCLA), Attitude towards Physical Education (CAEF), and Family Functioning (APGAR) were analyzed. (3) Results: Good fit was obtained for all evaluation indices included in the structural equation model, which was significantly adjusted (χ2 = 233,023; DF = 14; p < 0.001; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.913; normalized fit index (NFI) = 0.917; incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.906; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.072). (4) Conclusions: Attitudes towards physical activity were found to be positive when isolation levels were low and where adequate self-concept existed, specifically in students reporting high family functioning.

Keywords: adolescent; family; isolation; physical activity; self-concept.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude*
  • Child
  • Emotions*
  • Exercise / psychology
  • Family Characteristics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Education and Training / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self Concept*
  • Spain
  • Students / psychology*