title: Improvements in self-concept associated with reductions in negative mood in preadolescents enrolled in an after-school physical activity program.
abstract: Preadolescents enrolled in either a 3 times per week, 12-week exercise program (n = 50) or a no-exercise program control condition (n = 42) during their after-school care, were assessed for indication of whether exercise-induced changes in self-concept and overall negative mood were negatively correlated. Significant improvements in ratings of self-concept and of negative mood were found over 12 wk. Inverse relationships were found between changes in physical self-concept with overall self-concept and negative mood (r = -.40 and -.36, respectively). Results supported the positive effect of exercise on the assessed psychological factors in preadolescents. Cognitive behavioral theory-based explanations of the findings were discussed.
authors.affiliation: YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, 100 Edgewood Avenue NE-Suite 1100, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. jamesa@ymcaatlanta.org
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Annesi
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors