Children's Physical Self-Concept, Motivation, and Physical Performance: Does Physical Self-Concept or Motivation Play a Mediating Role?

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Taekwondo on Physical Self-Concept

In this meta-analysis we explored whether Taekwondo practice has improved its participants' physical self-concepts. We also tested the mediating influence of factors in past research such as country, participant age, and measurement properties in their associations with these taekwondo effects. We reviewed extensive data collected from Chinese, English and Korean participants in articles listed in Cnki, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, KISS, RISS, and DBPIA databases. First, we evaluated the methodological quality of these published articles with Review Manager 5.4 software according to the Cochrane System Evaluation Manual. Then, we used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.7 software for statistical analysis. We based these analyses on nine research studies containing a total of 1154 participants. We found a significant association between taekwondo activity and an improved body self-concept (ES = .688, p < .001). Subgroup analyses showed a stronger association between these variables in Korea (ES = .90, p < .001) than in China (ES = .34, p < .001), a stronger association for children (ES = 1.04, p < .001) compared to adults (ES = .46, p < .001), and a stronger association with the modified version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) (ES = .99, p < .001) than with the original PSDQ (ES = .57, p < .001). We concluded that practicing Taekwondo led to improved physical self-concept, especially in a younger population. In addition, the experimental design and measurement methods may influence the apparent link between these variables.

The Role of Motivation and Physical Self-Concept in Accomplishing Physical Activity in Primary School Children

BACKGROUND

The goal of this research is to identify correlations of motivation and physical self-concept with physical activity among students of younger school age, as well as the level of prediction of motivation and physical self-concept with physical activity of students in physical education classes.

METHODS

The sample of respondents consisted of 411 students of the third and fourth grades from the territory of the Zlatibor district. A modified Self-Regulation Questionnaire was used to assess students' motivational orientations, while appropriate subscales of the Self-perception Profile for Children measuring instrument were used to assess physical self-concept. Physical activity is shown as volume and intensive physical activity (vigorous physical activity (VPA)), measured with a Suunto memory belt pedometer and heart-rate monitor.

RESULTS

Boys' motivational predictor variables accounted for 14% (volume) and 28% (VPA) of their physical activity in class, with intrinsic motivation, introjective regulation (just for the level of physical activity), and identified regulation as the most important determinants of physical activity. For girls, the identified regulation variable (from the system of motivational predictor variables) was shown to be the primary predictor variable on both criterion variables (R2 = 0.34 and 0.36).

CONCLUSION

The teaching of physical education for students of younger school age should be conceived by creating a motivational climate, in order to encourage physical activity.

Mediterranean diet adherence on self-concept and anxiety as a function of weekly physical activity: an explanatory model in higher education

Introduction

Scientific literature has now demonstrated the benefits of an active lifestyle for people's psychological health. Based on the above statement, the aim was to (a) evaluate and adjust a structural equation model containing the variables anxiety, self-concept, and Mediterranean diet adherence and (b) contrast the proposed theoretical model by studying the differences between the variables according to the level of weekly physical activity in a sample of 558 university students.

Methods

A non-experimental, exploratory, cross-sectional investigation has been proposed. Instruments such as the PREDIMED Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Form 5 Self-Concept Questionnaire were used to collect data.

Results and discussion

The results illustrate that students showing low adherence to the Mediterranean diet had higher levels of anxiety (M = 0.95) than those showing a high degree of adherence (M = 0.75). It is also observed that young people with a high degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet report higher scores in the different dimensions of self-concept compared to young people with a low degree of adherence. In conclusion, it is affirmed that young people who show a high degree of adherence to this dietary pattern show lower levels of anxiety and greater recognition of the different areas of their self-concept.

Levels of Physical Activity, Family Functioning and Self-Concept in Elementary and High School Education Students: A Structural Equation Model

In the adolescent population there is great concern about low levels of physical activity and low levels of family awareness of the benefits of physical exercise on physical and mental health. This study aims to determine the influence of physical activity levels, family functioning and self-concept in primary and secondary school students, as well as to develop a structural equation model as a function of weekly physical activity time. A descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted on whether students engage in more than three hours of physical activity per week. To collect the data, instruments validated by the scientific community were used, such as the Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve family questionnaire (APGAR) and the self-concept questionnaire form 5. The results show that those students who engage in more than 3 h of physical activity per week have higher levels of family functioning than those who do not meet this sport criterion. In addition, physically active students show higher scores on all dimensions of self-concept than those who practice less than 3 h of physical activity per week. Finally, as a conclusion, it can be affirmed that the amount of physical activity practice brings benefits to student's mental health.

Skalen zur Erfassung der selbstbestimmten Motivation von Grundschulkindern (SESMO)

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Messqualität und valide Interpretierbarkeit der Testwerte der Skalen zur Erfassung der selbstbestimmten Motivation von Grundschulkindern (SESMO) zu überprüfen, die fünf motivationale Regulationstypen nach der Selbstbestimmungstheorie erfassen können (intrinsisch, identifiziert, introjiziert, extrinsisch, amotiviert). Es handelt sich um ein Selbstbeurteilungsverfahren, das erstmalig in dieser Studie an einer Stichprobe von N = 679 Grundschulkindern der 3. und 4. Jahrgangsstufe in den Fächern Mathematik und Deutsch untersucht werden sollte. Zur Überprüfung der Faktorenstruktur wurden verschiedene konfirmatorische Faktorenmodelle (CFA) mit einem exploratorischen Strukturgleichungsmodell (ESEM) und zwei Bi-Faktorenmodellen (B-CFA und B-ESEM) verglichen und die Messinvarianz über das Geschlecht und die Jahrgangsstufen hinweg analysiert. Die kriterienbezogene Interpretierbarkeit der Testwerte wurde zudem anhand der Zusammenhänge mit diversen Außenkriterien (selbstberichtete Noten, Selbstkonzept, Konzentration, Schülerinnen- und Schüler-Lehrkraft-Beziehung, Freude und Angst im Unterricht) überprüft. Die Ergebnisse der CFA wiesen auf die Angemessenheit einer 5-Faktorenstruktur in beiden Fächern hin. Das B-ESEM-Modell zeigte jedoch im Vergleich zu allen anderen Modellen die beste Anpassung an die Daten. Die Messinvarianz konnte sowohl über das Geschlecht als auch über die Jahrgangsstufen hinweg hinreichend nachgewiesen werden. Die beiden selbstbestimmten Motivationstypen (intrinsisch und identifiziert) hingen mit günstigeren Außenkriterien zusammen als die beiden fremdbestimmten Motivationstypen (introjiziert und extrinsisch) oder die Amotivation.

What Influences Children's Physical Activity? Investigating the Effects of Physical Self-Concept, Physical Self-Guides, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation

Physical fitness self-concept (PFSC) is an important predictor of motivation and physical activity in children. Recent studies revealed that not only PFSC but also its interplay with perceptions of one's ideal and ought physical fitness self are related to motivation and physical activity. As the meaning of ideal and ought selves in children is yet unclear, this study aimed to investigate how PFSC, ideal physical fitness self, and ought physical fitness self are related to children's motivation and physical activity. Six hundred forty-five children (Mage = 8.87 years) filled out questionnaires twice with an interval of approximately 8 months. Polynomial regression with response surface analyses and mediation analyses was conducted. Results showed that PFSC, rather than ideal and ought self-perceptions, is associated with autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and physical activity. The relationship between PFSC and physical activity was mediated by self-efficacy. Findings indicate that physical activity promotion programs should include PFSC and self-efficacy enhancement in childhood.

Statistical Study on the Motivation of Patients in the Pediatric Dentistry

Our statistical study included 344 participants selected from the patients of the Pedodontics–Orthodontics Discipline of the Tîrgu-Mureş University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The patients’ age was between 6 and 18 years, with an average of 13.70 and a standard deviation of 4.62. The study participants were informed and agreed to complete two questionnaires of our conception regarding their health status, oral hygiene, and motivation for pedodontics or orthodontic treatment. The results of the two questionnaires were interpreted according to the gender and age of the patients. Data processing was performed with NCSS/PASS Dawson Edition statistical software, using the CHI2 test, considering a p of less than 0.05 as significant for comparative results. Results showed that girls were more motivated than boys in addressing pedodontic services due to dental, periodontal, and articular problems. Children, aged between 11 and 14 years, were less intrinsically motivated to solve oral health problems due to their low frequency. The intrinsic motivation for a more beautiful dentition was very strong, regardless of age and sex. Girls were more intrinsically motivated for orthodontic treatment than boys. There was a linear increase together in the age of those who wanted to improve their smile and facial appearance. Children between 11 and 14 years had the best self-perception of the appearance of their teeth, mouth, smile, and facial harmony. The strongest extrinsic motivation for orthodontic treatment came from parents or another doctor. The most important reason for orthodontics was dental malpositions, the last one was the improvement of masticatory efficiency. The extrinsic motivation from parents for orthodontics decreases linearly with age, along with the increase in motivation from the person with whom the participants relate emotionally and from the group of friends.

Motivational Climate, Anxiety and Physical Self-Concept in Trainee Physical Education Teachers-An Explanatory Model Regarding Physical Activity Practice Time

There is an increase in sedentary lifestyles among young people. However, the development of a certain motivational climate can play a key role in the prevention of such lifestyles. Taking into account the aforementioned, the present research aims to establish the relationship between the motivational climate towards sport, anxiety and physical self-concept and to identify and clarify the existing relationships between anxiety, motivational climate and physical self-concept, by breaking down this objective into (a) developing an explanatory model of the motivational climate towards sport and its relationship with anxiety and physical self-concept and (b) contrasting the structural model by means of a multi-group analysis, according to the time spent doing physical activity per week. For this purpose, a cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study was carried out with a total of 568 university students (M = 25.09; SD = 6.22). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Spanish version of the Perceived Motivation Climate Questionnaire in Sport, the Self-Concept Form-5 and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used for data collection. The results show that more time spent doing physical activity brings benefits in terms of physical self-concept and homework climate, helping to reduce anxiety levels. As conclusions, it is observed that a longer time spent doing physical activity brings benefits in the channelling of disruptive states and improvements in physical self-concept.

Can Enjoyment and Physical Self-Perception Mediate the Relationship between BMI and Levels of Physical Activity? Preliminary Results from the Regional Observatory of Motor Development in Italy

Physical education during adolescence, supported by evidenced-based methodologies, offers many different opportunities to practice structured physical activity and promote the development of motor skills, motor coordination, and conditioning. The present study aimed to assess differences in the levels of physical activity, enjoyment, and self-perception in a sample (n = 1029, M = 505, F = 524) of 11-12-year-old secondary schoolchildren according to gender and BMI and determine (a) the mediation effects of physical self-perception in the association between BMI and physical activity and (b) the role of enjoyment in mediating the relation between physical self-perception and physical activity. As part of the Regional Observatory of Motor Development Project (Apulia, Southern Italy), the assessment involved three questionnaires for physical activity levels (PAL), physical self-perception (PSP_C), and enjoyment (PACES). The results showed significant differences in PSP between normal-weight, overweight, and obese children (especially in girls), while there were no significant differences in enjoyment. Physical self-perception partially mediates the relationship between BMI and PAL (R² = 7.94% for males, 95% C.I.: -0.013, -0.004; R² = 14.70% for females, 95% C.I.: -0.25, -0.009), and the enjoyment partially mediates the relationship between physical self-perception and PAL (R² = 6.83% for males, 95% C.I. = 0.003, 0.012; R² = 13.45% for females, 95% C.I. = 0.002, 0.014). However, only a small percentage of variance was explained, precluding the extension and generalization of the results obtained.

Children's Motivation Profiles in Sports and Physical Activities: A Latent Profile Analysis and Self-Determination Theory Approach

Using latent profile analysis and self-determination theory, the present study aimed to examine younger children's motivation profiles in sports and physical activities and the relations of those profiles to various predictors and achievement outcomes. A total of 1,116 German children from Grade 2 participated in this study. Latent-profile-analysis solutions based on five behavioral-regulation types covered in self-determination theory (i.e., intrinsic, identified, introjected, external, amotivation) were tested. Results favored a three-profile solution, showing three theoretically meaningful and distinct motivation profiles labeled "amotivated," "non-self-determined," and "self-determined." Older children and children with a lower physical self-concept were more likely to be members of the amotivated profile relative to the other profiles than younger children and children with a higher physical self-concept. Furthermore, children of the self-determined profile demonstrated the best physical performance in various motor-skills tests.

Understanding Girls' Motivation to Participate in Sport: The Effects of Social Identity and Physical Self-Concept

Introduction: Girls are often less motivated to participate in community sport compared to boys. Having a strong social identity with a sports team is positively associated with motivation to continue participation in sport, yet the mechanisms explaining this association are not well-known. In the current study, physical self-concept is tested as a mediator of the association between social identity and motivation.

Method: Girl badminton athletes were recruited to examine how the team environment shapes physical self-concept, and whether this association relates to motivation to participate in sport. Ninety-two girls completed a self-report survey to measure social identity, physical self-perceptions, and motivation. Two mediation models were conducted to examine whether physical self-concept mediated the relationship between social identity and autonomous motivation and controlled motivation.

Results: Physical self-concept partially mediated the relationship between social identity and autonomous motivation. The bootstrapped unstandardized indirect effect was, b = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.002 to.14. Physical self-concept fully mediated the relationship between social identity and controlled motivation. The bootstrapped unstandardized indirect effect was, b = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.30 to −0.01, p = 0.04.

Discussion: These results highlight the importance of the group context in relation to individual physical self-concept and motivation. Overall, targeting aspects of the team environment in community-level sport may be an important strategy to improve girls' physical self-concept, and autonomous motivation to continue sport participation.