Abstract
The relationship between physical activity and psychological outcomes has long been an area of interest. Previous research has been criticized for the small number of experimental studies and the inappropriate application of adult measures of psychological outcomes to adolescents. The purpose of the current randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effect of an intensive physical activity program on the self-worth of adolescent girls (X age=15.7). Forty four girls were randomly assigned to either receive 10 hours/week of class and computer instruction, or class and computer instruction plus an additional 10 hours/week of cardiovascular training as part of a summer school program. Cardiovascular fitness (VO2Max) and self worth were measured at the beginning and end of the 5 week training program. Harter's Self-perception profile for adolescents was used because it was developed specifically for this age group, is reliable, and has age specific normative data. It yields a global self-worth score as well as eight subscale scores, including scholastic, athletic and job competence, physical appearance, social acceptance, romantic appeal, behavioral conduct, and close friendship. Results indicate a significant training effect with a 12% increase in VO2Max among the trained girls only. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a larger increase in athletic competence among the trained girls compared to the untrained girls(p=.05). No other interaction effects were statistically significant. However, there was an overall improvement in physical appeal and global self-worth scores for both groups combined. No significant changes on the other subscales were found. These results support the hypothesis that exercise training leads to increased competencies in some areas of self-worth when examined in a controlled study. However, other factors also present in the control condition lead to improvements in overall self-worth ratings.
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