Physical sports activity, physical self-concept and psychological wellbeing in adolescente

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between experience in physical sports activity in adolescence and various self-evaluations such as physical self-concept, perceptions of health and life satisfaction. Participants are 1504 adolescents from the city of Malaga (Spain), aged between 14 and 16 years. The instruments used to assess the constructs are the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). The study has a cross-sectional, correlational design, in which surveys are used to collect data. The statistical analyses show that physical activity is associated with significant differences in the study variables, favouring those who do physical activity. The frequency of the activity, however, has a significant difference between the groups only in the case of physical self-concept. On the other hand, years of experience in physical activity affects the outcomes, with better results for those who have been doing exercise for a longer period of time. This study contributes to the literature that emphasises the importance of creating an active lifestyle to boost psychological wellbeing

Keywords

• adolescence
• physical activity
• physical self-concept
• perceptions of health
• life satisfaction