title: Accuracy of Physical Self-Description Among Chronic Exercisers and Non-Exercisers.
abstract: This study addressed the role of chronic exercise to enhance physical self-description as measured by self-estimated percent body fat. Accuracy of physical self-description was determined in normal-weight, regularly exercising and non-exercising males with similar body mass index (BMI)'s and females with similar BMI's (n=42 males and 45 females of which 23 males and 23 females met criteria to be considered chronic exercisers). Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the degree of agreement between self-estimated percent body fat and actual laboratory measurements (hydrostatic weighing). Three statistical techniques were employed: Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland and Altman plots, and regression analysis. Agreement between measured and self-estimated percent body fat was superior for males and females who exercised chronically, compared to non-exercisers. The clinical implications are as follows. Satisfaction with one's body can be influenced by several factors, including self-perceived body composition. Dissatisfaction can contribute to maladaptive and destructive weight management behaviors. The present study suggests that regular exercise provides a basis for more positive weight management behaviors by enhancing the accuracy of self-assessed body composition.
authors.affiliation: New Mexico State University , Las Cruces, NM, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Berning
authors.affiliation: Southern Utah University , Cedar City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: DeBeliso
authors.affiliation: California State University , Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Trish G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Sevene
authors.affiliation: California State University , Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Kent J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: University of Louisville , Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salmon
authors.affiliation: Hanover College , Hanover, IN, USA.
authors.forename: Bryant A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Stamford
keywords: body composition; physical self-concept; physical self-description