Exercise, physical self-concept, and fitness: A longitudinal cohort study among Quebec’s students

By Jean Lemoyne, Stéphanie Girard
English

In Quebec (Canada), college is an important school transition between high school and university. This study aims to analyze changes in behavior relating to physical activity, fitness, and physical self-perceptions among a cohort of students who took part in a college physical education program. This longitudinal study also verifies associations between these changes and whether they differ with regard to gender. Data came from a cohort of 256 adolescents (girls = 169, boys = 87; 17 ± 3 years old) who took part in 6 rounds of assessment. Results from latent growth curve modeling showed that, during college, students showed positive changes in physical self-worth, perceived cardiovascular endurance, and perceived body image. Moreover, their level of aerobic exercise also increased, with a higher rate of change for girls. Even though boys reported better perceptions regarding the dimensions of physical self-esteem at the beginning of college, the evolution of these perceptions does not differ according to gender. The evolution of perceived physical self-worth is positively associated with perceived cardiovascular endurance. The latter is, in turn, positively associated with the evolution of perceived body image. Finally, the evolution of aerobic fitness shows a positive association with the evolution of perceived cardiovascular endurance and physical self-worth. Despite the decline in physical activity observed among late teens, positive changes in physical self-esteem and fitness were observed among youths who participated in three physical education classes during three semesters in college.

Keywords

  • physical self-concept
  • physical activity
  • college
  • gender
  • latent growth modeling
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