An exploratory study on the relationship between postural deformities and body-image and self-esteem in adolescents: The mediating role of physical activity

Author(s): Tenenbaum, G., Kudar, K.

Journal/Book: Int J Sport Psychol. 1996; 27: Via Panama 68, 00198 Rome, Italy. Edizioni Luigi Pozzi. 183-196.

Abstract: This explorative study was designed to examine the association between the intensity in which adolescents engaged in physical activity (PA) and their body-image and general self-esteem. Furthermore, it was aimed at examining the hypothesis that adolescents with postural deformities who engage in PA will perceive their body (in particular) and the self similarly to their healthy counterparts and more positively than adolescents with postural deformities who do not engage in any PA. Two-hundred-and-eighty-six male and female adolescents (12-18 years) of whom 146 were healthy and 140 were diagnosed as suffering from structural and non-structural Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) were administered a body-image (Secord and Jourard, 1953) and the Tennessee self-concept (Fitts, 1965) questionnaires. Subjects were also classified with respect to their level of engagement in PA (extensive, moderate, and low). A 2 (postural status) X 2 (Gender) X 3 (PA level) ANOVAs indicated a significant 3-way interaction on body-image, but not on self-esteem. Adolescents with AIS, nor engaged in PA, had lower body-image than their peers, particularly males. However both males and females with AIS perceived their body positively when engaged in moderate or extensive PA. Being an exploratory prospective research, the results do not permit assigning any causal effect to PA on perception of the body and the self. The results support the specificity hypothesis of self-esteem and encourage investigation as to be particular physical activities which ave most beneficial for adolescents who suffer from postural deformities.

Note: Article G Tenenbaum, Univ So Queensland, Fac Sci, Dept Psychol, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia

Keyword(s): body image; physical activity; self-esteem; SCOLIOSIS; RATIONALE; EXERCISE; FITNESS

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