Samenhang tussen fysieke activiteit, globaal zelfbeeld en zelfbeeld over fysieke verschijning bij kinderen in het basisonderwijs.

Abstract

The Exercise and Self-Esteem Model (EXSEM) is used as a theoretical framework to describe associations between physical activity and global self-esteem, mediated by perceived physical appearance. Little is known about these associations in elementary school children. We therefore examined associations between physical activity, global self-esteem and perceived physical appearance in children from grade 4 to grade 8. We also investigated if these associations were different for boys and girls, and for children with a normal weight and children with overweight. The current study is a cross sequential study. Physical activity was measured with a self-developed questionnaire based on the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ), while global self-esteem and perceived physical appearance were measured with the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) (n = 147; 77 boys). Associations were investigated with the Spearmen Test. Differences in associations were investigated with the Fisher Test. There was a significant association between physical activity, global self-esteem and perceived physical appearance. No sex differences were found for global self-esteem, but boys were more physically active and reported a higher level of perceived physical appearance than girls. Children with a normal weight were more physically active than children with overweight. No differences were found for global self-esteem and perceived physical appearance. Associations were not significant different for boys and girls and children with and without overweight. Associations were found as expected by the EXSEM.