Physical Self-Perception Profile Research Articles

Self-perceived muscular strength, physical activity, and Mediterranean Diet: Impact on health-related quality of life in older adults

The global rise in life expectancy poses challenges for individuals in maintaining independence, health, and quality of life. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a key indicator encompassing physical and mental well-being, is crucial for population health monitoring. Regular physical activity (PA), especially muscle-strengthening routines and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), positively influence HRQoL. Understanding the link between muscular strength and HRQoL is essential for effective physical activity interventions. This study explores the association between self-perceived muscular strength (MS), HRQoL, MD, and sports habits in older adults.The study followed a cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative design, with a sample of 433 physically active Spanish subjects aged 41 to 80. Stratified by MS levels, the high-level group (n= 210; 74.76% men; 57.00 years old (SD: 8.28), and the low level (n= 223; 51.50%; 71.30% men; 55.64 years (SD: 8.56). Self-reported data on MS, HRQoL, MD and PA were collected using the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q) questionnaires, respectively. An ad-hoc questionnaire captured sports habits and sociodemographic data.The higher MS group exhibited superior physical function (p=0.002, d=0.16), physical role (p=0.023, d=0.22), general health (p<0.001, d=0.61), vitality (p<0.001, d=0.52), and mental health (p<0.001, d=0.29), along with stronger adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (p<0.001, d=0.31). Logistic regression models indicated that a high MS level is associated with engagement in maintenance sports (ORcr = 1.71, 95% CI 1.17-2.50, p=0.005), practicing 3 or more sports (ORadj = 1.78, 95% CI 0.95–3.36, p = 0.028), leading a very active lifestyle (ORadj = 1.96, 95% CI 1.32–2.94, p < 0.001), and adherence to MD (ORadj = 1.64, 95% CI 1.10–2.45, p < 0.016).Engaging in diverse sports, giving priority to maintenance activities and including daily muscle-strengthening routines beyond WHO guidelines, correlates with higher self-perceived strength in older adults. This, in turn, aligns with an elevated quality of life encompassing both physical and mental health, as well as increased adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Consideration of these factors is crucial when prescribing physical activity for this population and designing institutional health programs.

German Translation of the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile Competence (PSPP-R Competence)

Abstract: This paper examines the validity of the competence scale of the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP-R Competence) in a large German sample of 1,007 predominantly female participants by assessing construct validity, discriminant and criterion validity, and reliability. The PSPP-R Competence measures four factors: Body Attractiveness, Physical Strength, Sports Competence, and Physical Condition. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized correlated four-factor structure and offered support for a hierarchical factor structure. Discriminant and criterion validity analyses offered insight into the nomological net and were in line with theoretical considerations. Reliability of all subscales was estimated using Cronbach’s α and found to be good to excellent ranging from .84 to .92. Overall, this study provides support for a good adaptation of the PSPP-R in the German language and enriches previous validation studies focused mainly on factorial validity by adding discriminant and concurrent validity estimates.

O.6.1-5 Potential moderators of the association between fundamental movement skills and academic attainment of adolescents: a path analysis

Abstract Purpose Fundamental movement skills (FMS) provide a crucial foundation for the development of complex movement patterns involved in physical activity and sport. Further, FMS and skill acquisition are proposed to have a moderating influence on the association between physical activity and cognitive stimulation. Despite this, there remains scant literature investigating this relationship in adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the association between object control and locomotor skills and subject-specific academic attainment in adolescents, and to ascertain whether this association is moderated by perceived sports competence, sex, weight status and/or maturational status. Methods FMS were assessed in 140 children (70 girls; 12.8±1.9 years) using the Test of Gross Motor Development V.3 (TGMD-3). Numeracy reasoning, numeracy procedural and reading were determined using standardised national assessments and potential moderating variables (perceived sports competence [Children and Youth Physical self-perception profile – Youth], Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores, and biological maturity [predicted age at peak height velocity]) were recorded. Path analysis was performed using maximum likelihood estimation to analyse the hypothesised direct and moderated associations between FMS and each aspect of academic attainment, whilst controlling for age and sex. The moderating role of sex was subsequently assessed using multi-group analysis and comparing a fully-constrained model. The moderating effects of perceived sports competence, BMI z-score and biological maturity were analysed using the interaction-moderation approach. Results Path analysis revealed a significant association between object-control skill competence and both numeracy procedural (β=0.33; p = &amp;lt;0.001) and numeracy reasoning (β=0.29; p = &amp;lt;0.001). In contrast, there was no association between locomotor skills and any parameter of academic attainment. Perceived sports competence moderated the association between object-control skills and numeracy procedural (β=0.16; p = 0.045) and reading (β=0.25; p = 0.003), while BMI z-score moderated the association between object control skills and numeracy reasoning (β=0.17; p = 0.048). Conclusions These results highlight the importance of object-control skills for cognitive development in adolescents. The continued development of FMS, specifically object-control skills, within cognitively-enriched experiences should be a key strategic aim in the curriculum. These findings are imperative for school buy-in for school-based physical activity promoting interventions.

Reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the State Feelings of Fat Scale

In this study the State Feelings of Fat Scale (SFF) was translated into Chinese, and its reliability and validity were tested with a sample of 539 Chinese female undergraduates. Participants completed the Chinese version of the SFF Scale, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, the General Physical Self-Worth Scale, and the attraction body subscale of the Physical Self-Perception Profile. These variables and body mass index were selected as criterion measurements. Two weeks later, 94 participants were recalled to respond to the SFF Scale again. The results of factor analysis supported the unidimensional structure model. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .87 and the test–retest reliability was .91. The total score for the SFF Scale exhibited a significant correlation with all the criteria. It can be concluded that the Chinese version of the SFF Scale has good reliability and validity and can be used in correlational studies.

Influence of Alpine Skiing on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Self-Concept in Physically Active Adults over 55 Years of Age.

Background: Older adults have the highest rates of a sedentary lifestyle. Alpine skiing could be considered a suitable activity to encourage continued sports practice and improve the health of this population in winter. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the practice of alpine skiing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical self-concept (PSC), and sport motivation. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive, involving 280 Spanish adults aged over 55 years and physically active (75.35% skiers). To assess physical activity, PSC, HRQoL, and sport motivation, we used the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q), the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) questionnaires, respectively. Results: In the skier’s group, higher values were found for PSC (p < 0.001; d = 0.64), the physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001, d = 0.48), physical function (p < 0.001, d = 61), and intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001; d = 0.85). The practice of alpine skiing was associated with higher levels of the physical health component (ORadj = 2.13, 95% CI 1.18–3.95, p = 0.013), PSC (ORadj = 2.92, 95% CI 1.58–5.52, p < 0.001), and intrinsic motivation (ORadj = 2.24, 95% CI 1.22–4.23, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The practice of alpine skiing is positively associated with higher values of HRQoL, PSC, and intrinsic motivation, and based on the above, it seems that alpine skiing can contribute to healthy ageing and improve the quality of life of older adults.

Developmental associations of actual motor competence and perceived physical competence with health-related fitness in schoolchildren over a four-year follow-up

The developmental associations between actual motor competence (MC), perceived physical competence (PC), and health-related fitness (HRF) in schoolchildren were investigated over a four-year period. Participants were 1147 (girls 582, boys 565) schoolchildren aged between 11 and 13 years (M = 11.27 ± 0.33 years) in the beginning of the study. Data were collected at five time points in 2017–2021. MC was measured with three product-oriented (i.e., outcome of the movement) motor competence skill tests: side-to-side jump, five-leaps, and throw-catch. PC was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile. HRF was assessed with the 20m shuttle run, curl-up, and push-up tests. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model with birth month and sex as covariates, was tested using repeated measures (within level) and PC, MC, and HRF levels (between level). The key findings were: 1) PC, MC, and HRF levels were reciprocally associated over time; 2) repeated measures of HRF at each time point were positively associated with PC and MC one year later; 3) PC decreased, MC increased, and HRF remained stable over time; and 4) MC was more important than PC in explaining the variability in HRF levels and repeated measures. The positive reciprocal associations of MC, PC, and HRF from late childhood to early adolescence found in this study are important as they indicate that to support HRF in schoolchildren, both MC and PC can be promoted through investment in MC exercises.

Motor competence predicts self-esteem during childhood in typical development children

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to study the relationship between motor competence (MC) and self-esteem in children between 7 and 13 years of age. MethodsThis is five years mixed longitudinal study, although only the last two years were included in the analysis. Participants were N = 144 of both sexes (69 girls) divided in 6 cohorts. At baseline the youngest and the oldest cohorts had 4 and 9 years of age respectively. MC was assessed with KTK. Self-esteem and self-worth were assessed with the Portuguese version of Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children and Youth (PSPP-CY). Cross-lagged models were used to find out whether MC predicts self-esteem and self-worth, or the reverse. Linear mixed models were applied. ResultsOverall, only self-esteem was predicted by MC across age. Results show that self-esteem had a significant decrease between 7 and 13 years of age (−0.56) and that MC is positively associated with self-esteem (b = 0.006). ConclusionsMC had a mitigating effect on the decrease of self-esteem. Promoting MC during childhood and adolescence might have a positive effect on children's well-being and mental health and prevent them to dropout from physical activities.

Utilisation problématique d’Instagram, orientation à la comparaison sociale, estime de soi physique et sociale : étude exploratoire

IntroductionEven though Instagram use and popularity have been developed increasingly, many studies investigating have been carried out on problematic social networks use or problematic Facebook use. However, problematic Instagram use and underlying factors related to it are little known. ObjectiveBased on the I-PACE model (Brand et al., 2016), the aim of this exploratory study is to assess problematic Instagram use and to examine the links between behavioural characteristics (number of hours spent on Instagram, of self-photos, of likes on posts and followers), social comparison orientation, physical and social self-esteem, and problematic Instagram use in a sample of young adults French university students from 20 to 26 years old. MethodSixty-six participants have completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires including the Instagram Addiction Scale (IAS), the physical appearance subscale of “Physical Self-Perception Profile” (SEISP), the “Social Self-Esteem Inventory” (IESS), and the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM). ResultsThirty percent of participants have a problematic Instagram use. Correlational analysis revealed that behavioural characteristics and social comparison orientation are positively associated with problematic Instagram use, while physical and social self-esteem were negatively associated with it. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that social comparison orientation, physical self-esteem, number of hours spent on Instagram and number of followers were the most powerful predictors of problematic Instagram use. ConclusionResults provide a better understanding regarding to psychological factors linked to problematic Instagram use and allow to consider therapeutic and preventive interventions.

Effects of 16 Weeks of Cheerleading on Physical Self-Esteem and Mental Health of Female College Students.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the influence of cheerleading on female college students’ physical self-esteem and mental health.Materials and MethodsIn total, 63 female college students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China were trained in cheerleading for 16 weeks. The scores of each sub-field of physical self-esteem and psychological symptoms were analyzed by using Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) and Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), respectively, at 0 and 16 weeks of the experiment.ResultsAfter 16 weeks of cheerleading exercise, female college students had significant differences in physical attractiveness (T = 4.18), physical quality (T = 4.39), and physical self-worth (T = 3.35) before and after the experiment (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in physical condition (T = 3.87) and athletic ability (T = 2.88) before and after the experiment (P < 0.05). Somatization (T = 6.485), obsessive-compulsive symptoms (T = 11.716), interpersonal sensitivity (T = 10.077), depression (T = 8.403), anxiety (T = 10.767), hostility (T = 10.866), terror (T = 9.260), paranoia (T = 10.414), psychosis (T = 9.610), sleep and eating disorders (T = 9.323), total symptom index (T = 13.245), and mean score of positive symptoms (T = 12.237) were significantly different (P < 0.01).ConclusionCheerleading can significantly improve the level of female college students’ physical self-esteem, especially the self-esteem level of physical attractiveness, physical quality, and physical self-worth. They also experienced significant improvement in their psychological disorders, especially somatization, depression, and sleep and eating disorders, which effectively improved their overall mental health.

Sex-Related Differences in the Association of Fundamental Movement Skills and Health and Behavioral Outcomes in Children

This study aimed to assess whether sex moderates the association of fundamental movement skills and health and behavioral outcomes. In 170 children (10.6 ±0.3 years; 98 girls), path analysis was used to assess the associations of fundamental movement skills (Get Skilled, Get Active) with perceived sports competence (Children and Youth—Physical Self-Perception Profile), time spent in vigorous-intensity physical activity, sedentary time, and body mass index z score. For boys, object control skill competence had a direct association with perceived sports competence (β = 0.39; 95% confidence interval, CI [0.21, 0.57]) and an indirect association with sedentary time, through perceived sports competence (β = −0.19; 95% CI [−0.09, −0.32]). No significant association was observed between fundamental movement skills and perceived sports competence for girls, although locomotor skills were found to predict vigorous-intensity physical activity (β = 0.18; 95% CI [0.08, 0.27]). Perceived sports competence was associated with sedentary time, with this being stronger for boys (β = −0.48; 95% CI [−0.64, −0.31]) than girls (β = −0.29; 95% CI [−0.39, −0.19]). The study supports a holistic approach to health-related interventions and highlights a key association of perceived sports competence and the time children spend sedentary.

School-Age Children's Actual Motor Competence and Perceived Physical Competence: A 3-Yr Follow-up.

This study examined school-age children's actual motor competence (MC) and perceived physical competence (PC) over 3 yr along with the covariate effects of gender and body mass index (BMI). Participants were 1121 (girls 573, boys 548) children (mean age, 11.26 ± 0.32 yr) from 35 randomly selected public schools across Finland. MC was assessed using three movement tests targeting locomotor, stability, and object control skills, and PC was assessed using the sport competence subscale of the Physical Self-Perception Profile via four-phase monitoring. MC and PC remained stable over time. Of the three variables, locomotor skills showed the strongest association with PC. Lower BMI was associated with advanced MC skills and a less steep decrease in locomotor and stability skills over time. The acquisition of fundamental motor skills in childhood and early adolescence is a prerequisite for enhancing MC and PC. The contribution of locomotor skills to PC indicated that versatile lower limb strength, speed, dynamic balance, and movement skills are important for positive subjective beliefs about PC capability. Increasing the MC skills of the children in most need, particularly those with high BMI scores, merits special attention.

The Role of Controlled Motivation in the Self-Esteem of Adolescent Students in Physical Education Classes.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the relationships between the satisfaction of psychological basic needs, physical education, academic controlling motivation, and self-esteem, and to propose a prediction model in line with the postulates from the hierarchical model found in the self-determination theory. The participants were 618 physical education students from primary and secondary school (317 girls and 301 boys) aged between 10 and 14 years old (M = 11.62; SD = 0.94). The questionnaires basic psychological needs in exercise measurement scale (BPNES), perceived locus of causality scale (PLOC), the academic motivation scale (EME), and physical self-perception profile (PSPP) were used to measure the studied variables. The results showed that autonomy and relatedness significantly and negatively predicted physical education controlling motivation, which predicted a positive and significant academic controlling motivation. This, in turn, negatively and significantly predicted self-esteem. It is concluded that it is essential to avoid controlling motivation to promote the development of a positive self-perception in students.

Physical Exercise and Self-Esteem in Women Facing Lockdown-Related Domestic Violence.

The purpose of the present brief report was to examine the effects of a 6-week long physical exercise program on global self-esteem and physical self-perceptions among women who faced lockdown-related domestic violence. Thirty-six domestic violence victims (mean age: 33.4 ± 3.5 yrs-old) were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly and equally assigned to two intervention (physical exercise, counseling/support group therapy) and one control (no intervention) groups. The French version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (ISP-25) was administered to all participants pre- and post-study. Mixed-design ANOVAs revealed significant Group by Time interactions for Global Self-Esteem, Physical Condition, and Body Attractiveness. Global Self-Esteem significantly improved in the two intervention groups, with a trend for better improvement in women who exercised compared to those who took part in support group meetings, Cohen’s d = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [‒0.18, 1.54]. On the other hand, only women from the Physical Exercise group reported significant gains in Physical Condition and Body Attractiveness. There was no change in any of the assessed variables for women in the control group. The present study provides new insights on the role of physical exercise in the understudied population of women with domestic violence. Our findings are discussed and related to previous studies.

Physical Self-Concept Changes in Adults and Older Adults: Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Intrinsic Motivation and Sports Habits.

Lifespan is increasing globally as never before, and leading to an aging world population. Thus, the challenge for society and individuals is now how to live these years in the best possible health and wellbeing. Despite the benefits of physical activity for both are well documented, older people are not active enough. Physical self-concept is correlated with high levels of sports practice, although its evolution across one’s life span is not clear. The aim of this research has been to analyze the physical self-concept in older adults and its relationship with emotional intelligence, motivation and sports habits. The sample of 520 adults aged between 41 and 80 was clustered in ranges of age; 70.96% were men (n = 369; 57.34 years (SD: 7.97)) and 29.04% women (n = 151; age = 55.56 years (SD: 9.12)). Questionnaires adapted to Spanish were used to measure physical self-concept (Physical Self-Perception Profile), motivation (Sport Motivation Scale), and emotional intelligence (Trait Meta-Mood Scale). Regarding physical self-concept, the youngest group obtained the highest mean values and the oldest group the lowest. Physical self-concept correlated positively with emotional regulation and intrinsic motivation. Initiation to sports in childhood, the practice of sports activities for more than 150’ per week, and the practice of three or more sports, were associated with a higher score of physical self-concept. The findings reveal that physical self-concept declines in older adults, slightly at first, and sharply between 71 and 80 years, being intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and sports habits, factors to consider in favoring a positive physical self-concept and adherence to sporting activities.

Human flourishing and physical self-concept in physically active women

The aim was to identify the relationship between the physical self-concept profile and human flourishing in physically active women, including the validation of the human flourishing scale, which had not been validated yet to the Spanish context. Five hundred eighty (N=580) women, aged between 18 and 65 years (M = 37.13; SD = 12.56 years) completed the following questionnaires: Human Flourishing (FH), Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP), and Habitual Physical Activity in the last six months. After the structural regression analysis, we were able to demonstrate that the scale of human flourishing presented adequate psychometrics with a Cronbach’s alpha of .83 and a CCI of .90. Through the cluster analysis we were able to present two self-concept profiles and the reliability indexes were satisfactory: the profile of high physical self-concept was higher in women with greater human flourishing [ F (1, 579) = 11.75, p&amp;lt;.001, η2=.02] and higher levels of physical exercise [F (1, 579) = 11,19, p&amp;lt;.001, η2=.01] compared to the group with a low physical self-concept. We believe that these variables have a strong influence on the personal adjustment of women and should be addressed through preventive intervention for disorders related to an individual’s distress.

Revalidation Physical Self-Perceptions: A Cross-Cultural Assessment in Indonesian Children

The purposes of this research was to examined the cross-cultural validity of the Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children (PSPP-C), an instrument for assessing physical self-esteem, in Indonesian children. The inventory comprises 36-items designed to measure six constructs from a hypothesised multi-dimensional, hierarchical model of physical self-perception. Two hundred and fifty two children, aged 13 to 14 years, from a secondary school in Bandung- West Java completed the PSPP-C inventory. Descriptive statistics revealed mean construct scores to be comparable with results from other studies. Factor analysis of the inventory items supported a four factor structure and Cronbach alphas confirmed its internal consistency. The hierarchical structure of the underlying model was supported by partial correlation analysis. The PSPP-C exhibited satisfactory validity and reliability for use with children from Indonesia, but caution must be exercised when interpreting some of the subdomains due to discrepancies in the factor structure. The authors also express reservations concerning the indiscriminate use of such psychometric inventories across different cultures.

Functional Movement Proficiency’s Association to Actual and Perceived Motor Competence

The adoption of compensatory movement patterns occurs when limitations in mobility, stability, or motor control prevent proper motion from occurring. These dysfunctional movements may inhibit fundamental motor skill development and negatively influence perceived movement competence, impeding the development of physical literacy. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between functional movement and perceived and actual motor skill competence in young adolescents. Functional movement proficiency was determined using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™), which provides three variables of interest: (a) FMS™total score, (b) number of asymmetries, and (c) number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Perceived physical competence was assessed through the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile. Finally, the Get Skilled: Get Active process-oriented motor skill assessment was used to evaluate vertical jump, kick, run, and overhand throw proficiency. A significant positive correlation between FMS™total score and vertical jump performance was found. A positive relationship was also found between the number of asymmetries and overhand throw performance. The Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile constructs of body attractiveness and physical condition were positively associated with FMS™total score, and physical condition was also shown to be inversely related to the number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Results suggest that functional movement may underpin movement competence and confidence.

Relationships among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Health-Related Fitness in College-Aged Males.

Actual motor competence (MC), perceived motor competence (PMC), and health-related fitness (HRF) exhibit a dynamic and reciprocal relationship in child populations, but little is known about the nature of these relationships in young adulthood. The purpose of the study was to assess these relationships in a sample of college-aged males. A total of 55 participants enrolled in an undergraduate Kinesiology course completed the study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire; MC was assessed using maximum throw and kick speed and maximum jump distance; HRF was assessed with a two-minute push-up test, two-minute sit-up test, and the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Pearson’s bivariate correlations were calculated to assess relationships among PMC total score, MC scores, and HRF scores. Two separate indices were calculated to create composite total MC and total HRF scores used for subsequent analyses. Significant correlations were found between PMC total score, MC index, and HRF index. Multiple linear regressions were used for analyzing predictive measures for HRF and PMC scores. From the two regression models, significance varied among total MC scores, PMC scores, and HRF individual measures. These findings may suggest that relationships among MC, HRF, and PMC strengthen over developmental time in young adult males.

College Females' Self-Perceptions of Their Overall Physical Self-Worth

The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences exist in the domain of overall physical self-worth and the subdomains of sport competence, physical condition, body attractiveness, and physical strength between intercollegiate athletes and regular exercisers, intercollegiate athletes and nonexercisers, and regular exercisers and nonexercisers. The Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) was used to survey female college students attending one Midwestern University. It was concluded that college females who engaged in sport competition and exercise participation perceived their physical selves more positively than did female nonexercisers.

Gender, Physical Self-Perception and Overall Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students: A Multiple Mediation Model.

Background: Physical self-perception is often related with better physical fitness perception in adolescents. Moreover, it is an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in this population. However, this relationship is unequal between boys and girls. The physical fitness is a marker of health in young population. The aims of the present study were the following: (1) to compare physical self-perception and self-reported overall physical fitness (OPF) between boys and girls (gender) and body mass index (BMI) status, and (2) to determine the mediating role of all physical self-perception subscales (except physical condition) and BMI status in the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 85 adolescent students of secondary school between 12 and 17 years of age; 41 were boys (Mage = 14.6, SD = 1.7) and 44 were girls (Mage = 14.4, SD = 1.6). Adolescent participants completed all clinical characteristics by body composition measures (age, body weight, body height, and BMI). Physical self-perception was assessed by the physical self-perception profile (PSPP) whereas the international fitness scale (IFIS) was used to predict the self-reported OPF of adolescents in the present study. Results: Gender (boys and girls) differed significantly in all PSPP subscales and OPF, whereas the BMI status (underweight = 19 students, normal weight = 53 students, overweight/obese = 13 students) showed significant differences in all clinical characteristics, physical condition (PSPP), and OPF. A multiple mediation analysis was performed using bias corrected bootstrap. This multiple mediation analysis revealed that all PSPP subscales were significant mediators between gender and OPF: attractive body (p = 0.013), sport competence (p = 0.009), physical strength (p = 0.002), and self-confidence (p = 0.002). The total direct effect of gender on OPF was significant (p = 0.002). Moreover, the multiple mediation estimated a completely standardized indirect of X on Y for attractive body (effect = 0.109), sport competence (effect = 0.066), physical strength (effect = 0.130), and self-confidence (effect = 0.193). Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding the link between gender and OPF in adolescent students and the mediation of physical self-perception and OPF in this relationship. In addition, strategies focused to improve self-confidence and physical self-perception are necessary in female adolescent students, because boys showed better physical self-perception in all PSPP subscales. Girls are a risk group because they report low physical self-confidence with their respective insecurity feelings and psychological disorders. Thus, personal physical self-perception must be considered as an important social cognitive perspective to provide suitable mental health in children and adolescents.