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Gender, Physical Self-Perception and Overall Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students: A Multiple Mediation Model

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  • Pedro Jesús Ruiz-Montero

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, 52071 Melilla, Spain)

  • Oscar Chiva-Bartoll

    (Department of Education and Specific Didactics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain)

  • Antonio Baena-Extremera

    (Department of Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Universitary Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • David Hortigüela-Alcalá

    (Department of Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Physical self-perception is often related with better physical fitness perception in adolescents. Moreover, it is an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in this population. However, this relationship is unequal between boys and girls. The physical fitness is a marker of health in young population. The aims of the present study were the following: (1) to compare physical self-perception and self-reported overall physical fitness (OPF) between boys and girls (gender) and body mass index (BMI) status, and (2) to determine the mediating role of all physical self-perception subscales (except physical condition) and BMI status in the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 85 adolescent students of secondary school between 12 and 17 years of age; 41 were boys (M age = 14.6, SD = 1.7) and 44 were girls (M age = 14.4, SD = 1.6). Adolescent participants completed all clinical characteristics by body composition measures (age, body weight, body height, and BMI). Physical self-perception was assessed by the physical self-perception profile (PSPP) whereas the international fitness scale (IFIS) was used to predict the self-reported OPF of adolescents in the present study. Results: Gender (boys and girls) differed significantly in all PSPP subscales and OPF, whereas the BMI status (underweight = 19 students, normal weight = 53 students, overweight/obese = 13 students) showed significant differences in all clinical characteristics, physical condition (PSPP), and OPF. A multiple mediation analysis was performed using bias corrected bootstrap. This multiple mediation analysis revealed that all PSPP subscales were significant mediators between gender and OPF: attractive body ( p = 0.013), sport competence ( p = 0.009), physical strength ( p = 0.002), and self-confidence ( p = 0.002). The total direct effect of gender on OPF was significant ( p = 0.002). Moreover, the multiple mediation estimated a completely standardized indirect of X on Y for attractive body (effect = 0.109), sport competence (effect = 0.066), physical strength (effect = 0.130), and self-confidence (effect = 0.193). Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students and the mediation of physical self-perception and OPF in this relationship. In addition, strategies focused to improve self-confidence and physical self-perception are necessary in female adolescent students, because boys showed better physical self-perception in all PSPP subscales. Girls are a risk group because they report low physical self-confidence with their respective insecurity feelings and psychological disorders. Thus, personal physical self-perception must be considered as an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in children and adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Jesús Ruiz-Montero & Oscar Chiva-Bartoll & Antonio Baena-Extremera & David Hortigüela-Alcalá, 2020. "Gender, Physical Self-Perception and Overall Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students: A Multiple Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-14, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6871-:d:416405
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wenyan Li & Qin Liu & Xu Deng & Yiwen Chen & Shudan Liu & Mary Story, 2017. "Association between Obesity and Puberty Timing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Philip Brenner & John DeLamater, 2014. "Social Desirability Bias in Self-reports of Physical Activity: Is an Exercise Identity the Culprit?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 117(2), pages 489-504, June.
    3. Iris Vermeir & Dieneke Sompel, 2014. "Assessing the What Is Beautiful Is Good Stereotype and the Influence of Moderately Attractive and Less Attractive Advertising Models on Self-Perception, Ad Attitudes, and Purchase Intentions of 8–13-Y," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 37(2), pages 205-233, June.
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