Abstract
The objective of the present study was to define and contrast an explanatory model relating the motivational climate, body mass index, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet with the self-concept of school children. A further objective was to analyze the existing relationships between the variables included in the developed model according to sex, using a multi-group structural equation analysis. In the study, a total of 734 school children, of both sexes, reported their perceived motivational climate towards sport, body mass index, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, and self-concept. These children were aged between 10 and 12 years old and attended public school in the province of Granada (Spain). The multi-group structural equation model developed demonstrated an excellent fit to the empirical data (χ2 = 228.179; DF = 40; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.965; NFI = 0.958; IFI = 0.968; RMSEA = 0.048). The findings identified a direct negative relationship between the ego climate and the task climate. Furthermore, an inverse relationship was found between the task climate and body mass index, and a direct relationship was found between the ego climate and body mass index. Meanwhile, Mediterranean diet adherence was directly related to the task climate and negatively related to the ego climate. The main conclusions of the present study highlight the positive effects of a task-oriented motivational climate and adherence to a Mediterranean diet, with regards to body mass index. Furthermore, a task-oriented motivational climate and a lower body mass index are related to a more positive self-concept.
Highlights
Motivation is of their motivations, choosing to engage in certain behaviors and avoid engaging in others [1]
The task-oriented motivational climate is more prevalent than the ego-oriented climate, showing an inverse relationship between both variables which is stronger in girls
An inverse relationship was found to exist between the task climate and body mass index, and a direct relationship was found between the ego climate and body mass index
Summary
Motivation is of their motivations, choosing to engage in certain behaviors and avoid engaging in others [1]. The study of different motivation aspects related to sport and physical activity has been framed by two key theories: The self-determination theory [4] and the achievement goal theory [5] These theories are currently considered to be highly relevant for the analysis of motivation in association with the practice of physical activity and sport [6]. Both lend special interest to the social factors that influence individual decisions to engage in physical activity and are based on the idea that when individuals are confronted with different situations, their motivations are directed either towards the desire for successful execution or towards the demonstration of personal ability [7]
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