AUTHOR=Fernández-Bustos Juan Gregorio , Infantes-Paniagua Álvaro , Cuevas Ricardo , Contreras Onofre Ricardo 

TITLE=Effect of Physical Activity on Self-Concept: Theoretical Model on the Mediation of Body Image and Physical Self-Concept in Adolescents

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01537

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01537

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> The aim of this research was to study the mediation of body dissatisfaction, physical self-concept, and body mass index (BMI) on the relationship between physical activity and self-concept in adolescents.</p><p><bold>Materials and Methods:</bold> A sample of 652 Spanish students between 12 and 17 years participated in a cross-sectional study. Physical self-concept and general self-concept were assessed with the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF), body dissatisfaction with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and physical activity was estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). BMI was utilized as a measurement of body composition. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the results.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> The resulting models showed good fit indexes. Final model for all participants explained the 17% of the variance of body dissatisfaction, 57% of physical self-concept, and 60% of general self-concept. Physical activity had a positive and indirect effect on self-concept (<italic>β</italic> = 0.29, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) and direct effects on body dissatisfaction (<italic>β</italic> = −0.26, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) and physical self-concept (<italic>β</italic> = 0.20, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01). BMI had a direct effect on body dissatisfaction (<italic>β</italic> = 0.31, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) and on physical self-concept (<italic>β</italic> = −0.10, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) and an indirect effect on general self-concept (<italic>β</italic> = −0.24, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01). However, it was only associated with physical activity in males, playing a mediating role between physical activity and body dissatisfaction.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Physical activity can help individuals to achieve a positive self-concept and promote psychological well-being in adolescents through the improvement of physical perceptions and body satisfaction. The importance of BMI, body dissatisfaction, and physical self-concept on the configuration of the self-concept is also emphasized. Educational policymakers and Physical Education teachers should implement strategies to promote physical activity in the schools and provide a Quality Physical Education programs to increase physical activity during adolescence.</p>