Multidimensional Physical Self‐Concept in Underserved Urban High School Students: Predicting Physical Activity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to predict physical activity (PA) using multidimensional physical self‐concept theory with underserved urban inner city youth. Eight‐hundred and sixty‐five, mostly African‐American, high school students from a large Midwest inner city participated in the current study. Using structural equation modeling, we found support for multidimensional self‐concept theory. We argue against one‐dimensional models of self‐esteem as two discrete physical self‐concepts accounted for significant variance in PA. Endurance and sport self‐concepts both contributed to predicting unique variance (15%) in PA.