Self-Perception Profile, Body Image Perception and Satisfaction in Relation to Body Mass Index: An Investigation in a Sample of Adolescents from the Campania Region, Italy

(1) Background: Body image dissatisfaction has been commonly reported in adolescents with overweight/obesity and has been related to a lack of motivation to change lifestyle behaviors. Plus, a better perception of physical fitness has been related to a higher self-perception in physical aspect and social items in youths. (2) Methods: A total of 120 (59.2% males, mean age of 12.3 ± 0.9 years) middle-school adolescents participated in the present study. Anthropometric measurements were assessed following the standard procedures. Body weight perception and body image satisfaction were assessed using the Silhouette Figure Body Images Test. Self-perception profile, perceived physical fitness, and perceived difficulties in conducting physical tasks were assessed by using structured questionnaires. (3) Results: Overweight was present in 27.5% adolescents and obesity in 32.5%. A total of 89.7% of adolescents with obesity did not have a real perception of his/her weight status and 84.6% of adolescents with obesity were not satisfied with his/her body image. The self-perception of physical appearance, perceived difficulties in running, perceived overall fitness, and perceived speed/agility were lower in adolescents who were unsatisfied with their body image. Body image satisfaction was positively associated with the self-perception of physical appearance and overall fitness and negatively associated with perceived difficulties in running, independently of sex, age, and BMI. (4) Conclusions: Adolescents with obesity did not have a real perception of their weight status and were unsatisfied with their body image. The positive association between body satisfaction, a better perception of overall fitness, and less difficulties in conducting physical tasks suggests the protective role of the components of physical activity and health-related fitness on body acceptance in a critical period of life.

Investigation of the relationships between mindfulness, emotional eating, weight control self-efficacy, and obesity in adolescents

PURPOSE

This research was conducted to examine the relationships between mindfulness, emotional eating, weight control self-efficacy, and obesity in adolescents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The research was conducted with 198 adolescents aged 13-18 years in three high schools in the central county of a province in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Adolescents, the Emotional Eating Scale for Children and Adolescents, and the Weight-Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire for Adolescents-Short Form. In this study, adolescents' height and weight were measured to determine the effects of the study variables on their body mass indexes (BMIs).

RESULTS

The variables were analyzed according to BMI. The mean age of the adolescents participating in the research was 15.25 ± 1.01 years; 52% were female, and 85% were ninth-grade high school students. Their mean height was 170.33 ± 8.59 cm, and their mean weight was 62.24 ± 12.84 kg. The adolescents' BMI was found to have a low-level, significant negative correlation with their mindfulness, a low-level, significant positive correlation with their emotional eating, and a low-level significant negative correlation with their weight control self-efficacy. Adolescents' mindfulness, emotional eating, and weight control self-efficacy scores significantly predicted their BMI and explained 14.1% of the variance in their BMI levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Mindfulness, emotional eating, and weight control self-efficacy in adolescents have a facilitating effect on the management of obesity.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

Multidimensional programs should be developed that take into account the interaction of parents, children, and the environment, which will pave the way for the development of healthy nutrition behaviors and contribute to the prevention of obesity.

Psychometric Testing: Self-Efficacy for Calorie Control and Exercise

Enhancing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise is a crucial strategy for successful weight management. This study developed and psychometrically tested a 13-item quick checklist for assessing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise (QCSE-CCE). A convenience sample of 425 adults between 18 and 69 years old completed the QCSE-CCE online. The principle axis factor analysis and a parallel analysis demonstrated a three-factor structure that accounts for 72.8% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit (χ²/df = 2.168, GFI = .913, AGFI = .873, RMR = .049, RMSEA = .073, CFI = .959). The predictive validity was adequate (.38 < r < .39, p < .000), with Cronbach's alphas ranging from .87 to .91. The test-retest demonstrated good stability (r = .69; p < .001). The QCSE-CCE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-efficacy for calorie control and exercise for weight management purposes.

Motivation, Segmented Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status in Adolescents: A Path Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships linking motivational variables with BMI percentile (BMI%) via segmented physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in adolescents using path analysis. Method: Secondary data analysis was performed using participants from the Family, Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. A non-probability panel balanced to the US population on sex, Census division, household income and size, and race/ethnicity were screened for eligibility. The final sample consisted of 1,643 adolescents (822 girls, 821 boys). Motivational variables consisted of PA enjoyment, self-efficacy, and peer social support. Mediator variables consisted of segmented weekly PA and SB assessed using the Youth Activity Profile (YAP). BMI% was the outcome. A recursive bootstrapped path analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between motivational variables, segmented PA and SB, and BMI% with indirect effects calculated via bootstrapped mediation analyses. Results: The relationships between motivational variables and segmented PA and SB were stronger than relationships between segmented PA and SB and BMI%. Three mediated paths were observed: self-efficacy and BMI% using sedentary YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.38, 95%CI: -0.65, -0.18), enjoyment and BMI% using weekend YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.62, 95%CI: -1.14, -0.12) and social support and BMI% using weekend YAP as the mediator (IE = -0.53, 95%CI: -1.00, -0.07). Conclusion: The relationship between adolescent motivational variables and segmented PA and SB is relatively strong and specific motivational variables' relationships with BMI% is mediated through segmented PA and SB.

Motivation and Commitment to Sports Practice During the Lockdown Caused by Covid-19

In Spain, the state of alarm declared on March 14, 2020 caused changes in the population in relation to the habits of physical activity and sports practice. This study analyzed what motivational variables predicted the self-efficacy and commitment to sports practice, as well as the differences according to gender, during lockdown and the progressive de-escalation caused by COVID-19, using the theory of self-determination as a theoretical framework. The study sample was conformed of 179 subjects (90 men and 89 women) between 18 and 65 years of age (M = 28.64; SD = 10.28). The Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE), the Physical Activity Self-Efficacy scale, and the Sport Commitment scale were applied. The most relevant results have showed significant differences in favor of the male gender in terms of levels of controlled motivation and amotivation, as well as higher levels of self-efficacy and basic psychological need of autonomy. Furthermore, the regression analysis has revealed that self-efficacy and current commitment to sports practice were explained by a variance of 57 and 64%, respectively, due to autonomous motivation and the basic psychological need of competence. Therefore, the basic psychological need of competence should be fostered in order to increase the levels of self-determined motivation, self-efficacy, and commitment to sports practice of the population.

PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: DATA ON BRAZILIAN ADOLESCENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) for adolescents are well-described in the literature, there is little evidence of the role of psychosocial aspects on levels of PA in this population. Objective To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with enjoyment of PA and preference for leisure-time activities in boys and girls. Methods A cross-sectional study, with 6529 adolescents (aged 15 to 19 years) enrolled in secondary education in public schools in the South of Brazil. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the variables of interest, with data collection using a standardized questionnaire. Results Boys enjoyed (87.1%) and preferred (44.4%) PA more than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%). Among the boys, enjoyment was associated with family income(OR3-5 wages=1.53; OR≥6 wages=1.62) and, among the girls, it was associated with age (OR19 years=0.28), occupational status (ORworkers=1.45), and income (OR3-5 wages=1.35). Preference was associated with age (OR19 years=2.48) and income (OR≥6 wages=0.70) among the boys and, among girls, it was associated with area of residence (ORrural=1.47) and occupation (ORworkers=1.31). Conclusion Boys (enjoyment: 87.1%; preference: 44.4%) had more positive attitudes toward PA than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%), and some sociodemographic variables appear to be more closely associated with these attitudes than others. Enjoyment was associated with family income for boys, and with age, occupation and income for girls. Preference, in turn, was associated with age and family income for boys, and area of residence and occupational status for girls. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.

Independent and Combined Associations of Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Activity Intensities With Perceived Stress Among University Students: Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Mental health is an emerging topic on university campuses, with students reporting higher levels of psychological distress than the general population of the same age. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time have been proved promising measures to promote mental health in the general population. However, to derive and implement effective measures to promote mental health among university students, further exploration of the associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress in this specific setting is needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral variables among university students in Germany. We hypothesize that perceived stress is inversely related to physical activity and positively associated with sedentary time. Furthermore, we hypothesize that combined associations of concurrently high physical activity and low sedentary time on perceived stress are stronger compared with either alone and that the association between physical activity and perceived stress depends on activity intensity.

METHODS

We conducted cross-sectional analyses from a large-scale internet-based student health survey (n=4189; response rate=10.0%). Physical activity, sedentary time, and engaging in moderate and vigorous activity intensities were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form with categorization into low, intermediate, and high levels. We measured perceived stress using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (range 0-40).

RESULTS

The results indicate that higher physical activity and lower sedentary time are associated with reduced levels of perceived stress. Following adjustment for gender, BMI, income, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality, perceived stress scores were lower for students reporting high physical activity levels and low sedentary time compared with the least active and highly sedentary students (Perceived Stress Scale -2.2, 95% CI -2.9 to -1.5, P<.001 for physical activity and -1.1, CI 95% -1.7 to -0.5, P<.001 for sedentary time). Combined associations with perceived stress revealed that students concurrently reporting high total physical activity and low sedentary time reported the lowest perceived stress scores of all possible combinations following adjustment for confounders (Perceived Stress Scale -3.5, CI 95% -4.6 to -2.5, P<.001 compared with students reporting low physical activity levels and concurrently high sedentary time). Associations between vigorous physical activities and perceived stress were not stronger compared with moderate activity intensities.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported physical activity and low sedentary time are favorably associated with perceived stress, while the intensity of physical activities seems to be of minor importance. These results help to effectively implement health-promoting measures on campus among university students through increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time.

Integrating health consciousness, self-efficacy, and habituation into the attitude-intention-behavior relationship for physical activity in college students

This study aimed to empirically test the relationship between attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior, which has been asserted by many human behavior theories including those of reasoned action, planned behavior, interpersonal behavior, and self-regulation. In the physical activity context, the study explored (a) how two cognitive constructs - health consciousness and self-efficacy - influence the attitude-intention-behavior relationship, and (b) how the relationship differs depending on habituation to physical activity. A survey of 525 undergraduate students was conducted at a South Korean university. The results of structural equation modeling showed that the attitude-intention-behavior relationship was only significant in the non-habituation group. In the linkage, health consciousness significantly influenced attitude toward physical activity, while self-efficacy had stronger impacts on behavioral intention and behavior than on attitude. Based on the findings, some theoretical implications and practical guidelines are discussed.

Associations between self-efficacy and sedentary behaviour: a meta-analysis

Objective: The study sought to synthesize research on the relationship between time spent engaged in sedentary behaviours (SB) and self-efficacy. Analyses investigated whether such associations are moderated by age, conceptualization of self-efficacy, conceptualization of SB, and/or SB measurement.Design and Main Outcome Measures: The review was registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42018086899). Studies including associations between self-efficacy and SB were identified through a systematic search of six databases. Inclusion criteria were met by k = 26 original studies.Results: A random effect meta-analysis showed that higher levels of self-efficacy were associated with lower levels of SB (r = -.158, 95% CI [-.220, -.094]). Moderator analyses indicated that associations between self-efficacy and SB may be similar in strength across age groups, the conceptualizations of self-efficacy or SB and SB measurements.Conclusion: The findings provide preliminary guidance for future interventions targeting reduction of SB, although more longitudinal research is needed to draw causal inferences.

The Influence of Social Support on Physical Activity in Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Exercise Self-Efficacy

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of social support and self-efficacy with physical Activity (PA) and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between social support and PA in Chinese adolescents. Participants included a total of 2341 Chinese adolescents (aged 12.75 ± 1.46 years). Self-reported instruments, including the physical activity questionnaire for adolescents, the social support revalued scale and the exercise self-efficacy scale, were used to measure physical activity, social support and exercise self-efficacy. Results showed that social support (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.43, p < 0.05) were significant and positive predictors of PA among Chinese adolescents, and exercise self-efficacy was a significant mediator in the relationship between social support and PA (standardized effect size = 0.15, p < 0.001). Such findings were evident with similar patterns in both male and female adolescents. The findings of this study have indicated the importance of social support and exercise self-efficacy on PA promotion in adolescents, which will aid the development of effective interventions in this population.

Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Latino Immigrants

Latinos are at increased risk for developing chronic conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) assists in protecting adults from developing type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and heart disease, making PA important for health promotion. This cross-sectional, descriptive investigation was conducted with adults 18 years of age and older in a predominately Latino community. Perceptions of factors which influenced PA were examined. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. Immigrant Latino males engaged in PA significantly more often than female participants. In Latino participants, those who engaged in walking activities were more likely to engage in both vigorous ( r = .341, p<.005) and moderate PA ( r = .317, p <.001). Self-efficacy and acculturation were significant predictors of PA. Acculturation was associated with physical activity, even after adjusting for perceived stress. Findings highlight the continued importance of self-efficacy to foster health promotion in Latino communities.

Predictors of Physical Activity in a Predominantly Hispanic Sample of Adolescents

In the United States, the vast majority of Hispanic high school students do not meet physical activity recommendations. This prospective, observational study tested the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict physical activity in a convenience sample of 232 high school students from a predominantly Hispanic, rural-fringe, lower-income community in Southwestern United States. Mindfulness was tested as a moderator of the intention-physical activity relationship. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis included structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation analysis. The model explained 60% and 43% of the variance in intention and physical activity, respectively. Attitude (β = 0.49, p < 0.001) and subjective norm (β = 0.44, p < 0.001) predicted intention. Intention (β = 0.58, p < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.13, p < 0.027) predicted physical activity. Mindfulness did not moderate the intention-physical activity relationship. The results support using the TPB to predict physical activity in this population and may inspire ideas for targeted interventions.