Evaluation of the Exercise and Self Esteem Model using the Physical Self Description Questionnaire in Older Adults

Abstract

Self-esteem is a central tenant of psychological well being with the maintenance of such fundamental to emotional fulfillment. Physical activity has been widely researched as a contributor to positive views of the physical self, and ultimately, to global self-esteem. The Exercise and Self-Esteem Model (EXSEM; Sonstroem & Morgan, 1989) provides a hierarchical framework to describe the effect of physical activity on self-esteem. However, research concerning the EXSEM has been conducted primarily in children, young and middle aged adults. Additionally, the limited amount of research with older adults has predominantly utilized an abbreviated version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox & Corbin, 1989) which assesses physical self-worth and three physical subdomains, which potential limits the interpretation of the EXSEM in older adults who might hold other subdomains salient as compared to younger adults. Therefore it is important to consider other measurement instruments which assess a greater breadth of physical subdomains in older adults. PURPOSE: To evaluate the EXSEM with the Physical Self Description Questionnaire (PSDQ; Marsh et al., 1994) in older adults. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty two community dwelling adults provided responses on a measure of physical activity, self-efficacy, and the PSDQ, which assesses self-esteem, physical self-worth, and 9 physical subdomains. RESULTS: The extended EXSEM measurement model provided an acceptable fit using structural equation modeling (X2 (17) = 36.90, p < .01, NNFI = .97, CFI= .99, SRMR = .038, RMSEA = .073) CONCLUSIONS: The EXSEM measured with the PSDQ is a viable model for the investigation of hierarchical relationships between physical activity, physical self-perceptions, and self-esteem in older adults.