A longitudinal assessment of the links between physical activity and self-esteem in early adolescent non-Hispanic females.
OBJECTIVE
For decades, researchers have proclaimed the positive psychosocial benefits of participation in physical activity. However, recent meta-analyses of the literature have found infrequent and inconclusive empirical support for the link between physical activity and psychosocial well-being. In this study, we use data from a longitudinal study to explore the links between participation in physical activity and global self-esteem among girls from childhood into early adolescence and the direction of this relationship.


METHODS
Participants included 197 non-Hispanic white girls. Girls' participation in physical activity and their global self-esteem were assessed when they were 9, 11, and 13 years old. Panel regression was used to assess the lagged effect of physical activity on self-esteem and the lagged effect of self-esteem on physical activity, controlling for family socioeconomic status (SES) and girls' body mass index (BMI).


RESULTS
A significant lagged effect of physical activity on self-esteem was identified. Specifically, higher physical activity at ages 9 and 11 years predicted higher self-esteem at ages 11 and 13 years respectively, controlling for covariates. Positive effects of physical activity on self-esteem were most apparent at age 11 and for girls with higher BMI. No support was gained for the lagged effect of self-esteem on physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that participating in physical activity can lead to positive self-esteem among adolescent girls, particularly for younger girls and those at greatest risk of overweight. These findings highlight the necessity of promoting physical activity among adolescent girls as a method of fostering positive self-worth.
Schmalz
Dorothy L
DL
Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA. schmalz@clemson.edu
Deane
Glenn D
GD
Birch
Leann L
LL
Davison
Kirsten Krahnstoever
KK
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet / Q000208:ethnology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009043:Motor Activity; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012923:Social Class; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*