Maturity associated variance in physical activity and health-related quality of life in adolescent females: a mediated effects model.
BACKGROUND
This study tested a mediated effects model of psychological and behavioral adaptation to puberty within the context of physical activity (PA).


METHODS
Biological maturity status, physical self-concept, PA, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed in 222 female British year 7 to 9 pupils (mean age = 12.7 years, SD = .8).


RESULTS
Structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping procedures supported the hypothesized model. Maturation status was inversely related to perceptions of sport competence, body attractiveness, and physical condition; and indirectly and inversely related to physical self-worth, PA, and HRQoL. Examination of the bootstrap-generated bias-corrected confidence intervals representing the direct and indirect paths between suggested that physical self-concept partially mediated the relations between maturity status and PA, and maturity status and HRQoL.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence supports the contention that perceptions of the physical self partially mediate relations maturity, PA, and HRQoL in adolescent females.
School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
Joan E Hunter
JE
Smart
Sean P
SP
Cumming
Lauren B
LB
Sherar
Martyn
M
Standage
Helen
H
Neville
Robert M
RM
Malina
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015982:Bias; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires