Physical Self-Perception Profile Research Articles

Factorial validity and measurement invariance of the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP-R) in three countries

The revised physical self-perception profile (PSPP-R) was constructed to measure both perceived competence and importance linked to domains of the physical self. In the present study, we tested the factorial validity of the PSPP-R, using confirmatory factor analytic approach, on samples of university students from three different countries: Sweden, Turkey, and the UK. Multi-sample covariance structure analyses were also used to test the invariance of the PSPP-R across the three national samples. First-order four-factor models, including the latent factors of sport competence, physical conditioning, body attractiveness and physical strength, demonstrated good-fit with the data both for competence and importance factors. Second-order factor models, incorporating the second-order latent domain factor of physical self-worth also exhibited good-fit with the data. Factor patterns and covariances were invariant across samples for both competence and importance scales. Item intercepts were also invariant for the importance scales, whereas partial invariance of intercepts was supported for competence scales. The results are discussed with reference to the validity of the original physical self-perception profile and cross-cultural studies on the physical self.

Muscular fitness, body composition and physical self-perception in adolescents

The primary aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in the relationship between muscular strength, body composition, and physical self-perception in adolescents. Participants ( n = 106, age 15.0 ± 0.7 years, 51% boys) completed the following assessments: height and weight, bio-electrical impedance analysis (body fat %), muscular strength (1RM bench press and leg press), and the Children's Physical Self-Perception Profile. Bivariate correlations were examined and mediation analysis was used to explore if physical self-perception sub-domains mediated the relationship between muscular strength/adiposity and overall physical self-worth. Among boys, physical self-worth was associated with absolute total strength ( r = 0.36, p < 0.01), but not with body fat % ( r = −0.11, p = 0.44), or relative total strength ( r = 0.21, p = 0.13). In adolescent girls, physical self-worth was associated with body fat % ( r = −0.42, p < 0.01), relative total strength ( r = 0.40, p < 0.01) but not absolute total strength ( r = 0.07, p = 0.62). In boys, perceived physical strength mediated the relationship between absolute muscular strength and physical self-worth. Relative muscular strength was not associated with perceived strength ( p > 0.05) in girls and the test of the mediated effect was non-significant ( p > 0.05). Perceived body attractiveness was found to mediate the relationship between body fat % and physical self-worth among boys and girls. Physical self-worth is associated with different components of health-related fitness in adolescent girls and boys. Mediation analysis can be used to provide insights into the complex interrelationships between variables.

The effects of free weights and elastic tubing resistance training on physical self-perception in adolescents

Objectives While it has been suggested that resistance training may have a beneficial effect on psychological health in young people, evidence supporting this assertion is limited. The primary aim of this study was to explore the effect of free weights and elastic tubing resistance training on physical self-perception in adolescents. Design Randomized controlled trial. Method Participants ( N = 108, mean age = 14.96 ± .68 years) were randomized to free weights ( n = 37) or elastic tubing ( n = 41) resistance training groups and a control group was recruited ( n = 30). Participants in the resistance training groups completed workloads of 2 sets of 10–12 repetitions on 10 exercises for 8 weeks. Height and weight were measured and bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess body composition (body fat %). Muscular strength was assessed using 1 repetition maximum tests for bench press and leg press. Students completed the Children’s Physical Self-Perception Profile and two scales developed for the current study to assess resistance training self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. Results Physical self-perception remained stable among boys over the study period. Girls in the free weights resistance training group significantly increased their perceived body attractiveness ( p < .01, d = .76) over the study period. The relationship between changes in body fat % and body attractiveness in girls was inverse and marginally significant ( r = −.28, p < .10). Conclusion Resistance training programs may improve physical self-perception in adolescent girls. However, additional studies with larger sample sizes and more heterogeneous samples are required to confirm this finding.

Physical self‐concept and social physique anxiety: invariance across culture, gender and age

AbstractThis study examined the effects of culture, gender and age on the structure and mean levels of physical self‐concept (PSC) and social physique anxiety (SPA) in adolescents from Portugal and Spain. An additional aim was to examine the effects of these variables on the PSC‐SPA correlation. Adolescents (N = 3528, age range 12–18 years) completed the social physique anxiety scale and physical self‐worth scale from the physical self‐perception profile. Single‐ and multi‐sample confirmatory factor analyses supported a two‐factor model of PSC and SPA in the overall sample and within and across the culture, gender and age subsamples. Latent means analyses indicated that females tended to have significantly higher average SPA levels and lower PSC levels relative to males. There was a general downward trend in PSC in males and females in each cultural group. SPA was relatively consistent in females and higher than males in most groups. SPA was relatively similar in males and females in younger age groups (born 1994–1996), but declined in older males. SPA was similar in Portuguese males and females in the youngest age group (born 1996), but males tended to have lower scores in older age groups. Results generally support hypotheses and are discussed relative to self‐presentation models and coping with appearance‐related stress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Exercise interventions and their effects on physical self‐perceptions of male university students

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 12-week exercise interventions on physical self-perceptions of male university students. The study also aimed to investigate the relationships between the changes in physical self-perceptions and the changes in some physiological measures after 12-week exercise programs. Forty-eight male university students aged from 19 to 25 years were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly and equally assigned to swimming, running, cycling and control conditions. The Physical Self-Perception Profile was administered to all participants before and after 12-week exercise programs. Additionally, strength, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and body compositions were assessed before and after interventions. Participants in the exercise groups attended swimming, running or cycling sessions for 40 min per day, 3 days per week with 60-70% of their heart rate reserves, while those in the control group did not attend any regular physical activity. The results of 4 × 2 × 5 MANOVA with the dimensions of physical self-perceptions as within-subject factor revealed that all groups including the control group revealed better physical-self-perceptions from pre- to post-test. Results of 4 × 2 × 3 MANOVA with physiological measures as within-subject factor revealed that VO(2max) values of participants in the swimming group improved more than the other groups. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in strength scores and body fat levels among groups. Furthermore, no significant associations were obtained between the changes in physical self-perception dimensions and the physiological measures.

Social physique anxiety and physical self-esteem: Gender and age effects

The aim of this study was to test the generalisability of the factor pattern, structural parameters, factor correlations and latent mean structure of social physique anxiety and physical self-esteem across gender, age and gender × age. The social physique anxiety scale and general physical self-esteem scale from the physical self-perception profile was administered to high school and university students aged 11–24 years (N = 2334). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the adequacy of a two-factor correlated model in the full sample, and separately by gender, age and gender × age sub-samples. The CFA model satisfied criteria for goodness-of-fit with the data in all sub-samples, the only exception was for females aged 21 and over. Tests of invariance of the factor pattern, structural parameters and correlations across age, gender and age × gender revealed few decrements in goodness-of-fit. Latent means analysis revealed that females had consistently higher levels of social physique anxiety and lower levels of physical self-esteem than males, with the exception of the 11–12 age group. Results extend previous findings that females tend to report higher levels of social physique anxiety and lower levels of physical self-esteem than males by demonstrating that these differences are consistent across age group.

Relationships between maturity status, physical activity, and physical self-perceptions in primary school children

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of maturity status on primary school children's physical activity and physical self-perceptions. Altogether, 175 children (97 girls, 78 boys) aged 10.6 ± 0.3 years completed the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for five consecutive days to assess moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Anthropometric measures were completed to estimate maturity status. A two-level, multi-level analysis was used to assess the influence of maturity status on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and physical self-perceptions. Boys performed more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than girls (P < 0.0001), but when the effect of maturity status was controlled the difference was reduced (P = 0.02). Significant differences between the sexes were also observed for physical self-perception sub-domains (boys > girls, P = 0.02 to 0.0001). When maturity status was added to the model, significant differences were no longer apparent for each sub-domain, with the exception of perceived strength. Significant interactions between gender and maturity status revealed that boys' physical self-perceptions improved with more advanced maturity status, whereas girls' self-perceptions decreased (P = 0.07 to 0.002). Significant differences between the sexes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and some domains of physical self-perceptions were reduced or no longer evident when the effect of maturity status was controlled. Maturity status may differentially influence boys' and girls' physical self-perceptions.

Dispositional Flow in Physical Education: Relationships with Motivational Climate, Social Goals, and Perceived Competence

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating effects of social goals and perceived competence on students’ perceptions of motivational climates and dispositional flow in physical education. At the beginning of the physical education unit, 779 students, 12 to 16 years old, were asked to complete four questionnaires: Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), which measured the perception of task- and ego-involving climates; the Social Goal Scale–Physical Education (SGS-PE); the sport competence factor of the Physical Self-Perception Profile; and the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2). The results of the structural equation model showed that the task-involving climate positively predicted students’ social goals (i.e., relationship and responsibility goals) as well as their perceived competence. In turn, social goals and perceived competence positively predicted their dispositional flow. Of the total effects of task-involving climate on dispositional flow, 50% of them were direct whereas the other 50% were indirect. The ego-involving climate positively predicted dispositional flow through perceived competence. The results are discussed with reference to the ability of the teacher to create a high degree of motivation for the students so as to help them achieve optimal psychological states and continue to participate in physical activity.

Physical self-perceptions of adolescents in Years 8, 9 and 10 in independent schools, state comprehensive schools and specialist sport colleges in England

Background: It is widely reported that adolescence is a critical period in the development of the self. Indeed many studies identify that physical self-perceptions formed at this period are able to determine engagement in and levels of physical activity. Although the investigation of physical self-perceptions in British adolescents has been undertaken in previous studies, a comparison of different school types, and differing learning environments that each affords, requires examination. Purpose: To investigate the physical self-perceptions of adolescents in order to identify if significant differences in levels of Global Self-Esteem (GSE), Physical Self-Worth (PSW) and their subordinate physical self-perceptions are apparent in these potentially different physical education environments. Participants and setting: Some 605 participants (327 male and 278 female pupils) aged 12–15 studying in Years 8, 9 and 10 at one independent school, two comprehensive schools and two specialist sports colleges in West Yorkshire, England. Intervention: Two questionnaires were administered to each participant: the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP) and the Children and Youth Perceived Importance Profile (CY-PIP). Research design: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey. Data collection and analysis: In order to ensure pupils had been exposed to the particular physical education learning environment for a period of time, data collection took place in the penultimate month of the school year. Questionnaires were administered during physical education (PE) and games lessons to keep disruption of other areas of their timetable to a minimum with the questionnaires administered by the lead author or by a trained member of the PE department. A three-way MANOVA was employed to determine gender/year group/school type interactions. Findings: Significant differences on SPORT, CONDITION, STRENGTH and PSW (p < 0.05) were reported. Males scored significantly higher than females on all physical self-perceptions and PSW (p < 0.05). There were year differences on all physical self-perceptions (p < 0.05). Males in independent and sports colleges scored significantly higher than males in the comprehensive schools on CONDITION, BODY, STRENGTH and PSW (p < 0.05). Females in state comprehensive schools also scored significantly higher than males in state comprehensive schools on CONDITION (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings tend to support the widely held view that the physical self-perceptions of males are significantly higher than females, although the picture becomes increasingly complex when school type effects are taken into account. Longitudinal studies from the year of entry to the different school environments are required to identify any possible causal relationships between school type and subsequent development of GSE, PSW and its sub-domains in adolescents. It is suggested that alternative, constructivist curriculum models may have a positive effect upon the physical self-perceptions and levels of engagement within adolescence; a greater understanding of such models is particularly pertinent in light of the current QCA Review.

Attentional bias for doping words and its relation with physical self-esteem in young adolescents

Objectives Previous studies revealed that adolescence is a period of risk for doping and drug addiction and that young athletes who used doping agents reported low self-esteem. We conducted a preventive study with the aims to investigate whether young adolescents displayed an attentional bias to doping-related words and whether this attentional bias was related to physical self-esteem. Method Ninety seven adolescents (44 girls and 53 boys) from 11 to 15 years-old participated to a study designed to measure reaction times (RT) in a Stroop emotional task related to doping, cheating and control words. They also completed the Physical Self-Perception Profile subscales assessing perceived general self-esteem, physical self-worth, physical condition, sport competence, body attractiveness, and physical strength. Results Participants exhibited longer RT after doping words than after control words. RT was also longer after doping than after cheating words. Participants belonging to the low physical self-esteem group exhibited larger carry-over effects than those who were in the high physical self-esteem group. Conclusions These findings suggest that attentional resources allocated to doping words are already present at the onset of adolescence, and that they may be linked to a psychological feature (physical self-esteem) considered as a risk factor of substance abuse in young adults involved in competitive sports.

Analysis of the Relationship between Physical Self-Concept and Body Image Dissatisfaction in Female Students

Problem statement: Body image is a psychological construct which refers to self-concept including self image and feelings an individual perceives about his or her body. Body image can significantly affect the way an individual perceives about his or her body. Studies on relationship between physical self-concept and body image in some countries showed that the women's body dissatisfaction has led to increase in eating disorders. The question was raised whether such a relationship may exist in Iran. Approach: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical self-concept and body Image dissatisfaction in female. The importance of body image in Iranian culture has, recently, became more significant to the extent that tremendous expenditure of time, effort and money has been paid by people, particularly by women, seeking to alert their appearances to resemble an idea image. A survey of 140 female students selected through random sampling was conducted in Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, southern Iran. To collect data, a questionnaire including Demographic Information form the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) and Nine Figure Silhouette Scale was used. The physical self-perception profile have five subscales, which were sport competence (SPORT), body attractiveness (BODY), physical condition (CONDITION) and physical strength (STRENGTH) and one subscale that assesses a global perception of overall Physical Self-Worth (PSW). Results: The finding of the research indicated that there is a significant negative correlation between the physical self-concept and body image dissatisfaction. The correlations magnitude ranged between 0.49-0.79 for body image dissatisfaction. Body image dissatisfaction correlated strongest with physical self-worth and with body physical self-concept in female students in Iran. Thinness had the most influential impact on body image dissatisfaction. The findings also showed discrepancy between the ideal and current figures. The participations presented an ideal body that was much thinner than their perceived size. Conclusion/Recommendation: Women most at risk of body dissatisfaction are those who have low self-concept, those who perceive a lack of control over their bodies and those who have internalized the thin ideal. Exposure to particular kinds of television images may influence body satisfaction in females. The content of television images affects body satisfaction and drive for thinness in females. High self-concept, resistance to internalization of the thin ideal and perceptions of body mastery and control predict body satisfaction. Moderate exercise, focusing on body mastery and enjoyment rather than appearance and weight, may also be an effective strategy for improving body satisfaction. Cultural changes and a focus on body function rather than aesthetics would be likely to improve body satisfaction.

A prática desportiva dos estudantes universitários e suas relações com as autopercepções físicas, bem-estar subjectivo e felicidade

A presente investigação analisou as relações entre a prática desportiva de estudantes universitários e o modo como estes se percepcionavam a si próprios e às suas vidas. Participaram nesta investigação 2284 estudantes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre os 18 e os 30 anos (M = 21,87 ±2,37), que preencheram um questionário sobre a sua prática desportiva, bem como versões portuguesas do Physical Self-Perception Profile (Fox &amp; Corbin, 1989), da Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky &amp; Lepper, 1999), da Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, &amp; Griffin, 1985) e da Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson, Clark, &amp; Tellegen, 1988). Em geral, a análise dos resultados revelou que os indivíduos que possuíam mais confiança física e que avaliavam a sua vida mais positivamente praticavam desporto mais regularmente; porém, verificou-se igualmente que quem se percebia menos forte fisicamente e tinha uma auto-estima mais baixa também praticava desporto mais regularmente do que os pares.

A longitudinal examination of the influence of maturation on physical self-perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls

This longitudinal study investigated the influence of maturation on physical self-perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls ( N = 150; mean age = 12.79 ± 0.31). Physical characteristics were measured and participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile and the Pubertal Development Scale on two occasions 12 months apart. The results demonstrated a decrease in overall physical activity levels over 12 months which was not influenced by maturational status or physical characteristics. Additional analysis indicated that physical self-perceptions partially accounted for the explained variance in physical activity change, with physical condition being an important individual predictor of physical activity. Further analysis indicated that body mass was an important individual predictor of changes in perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self-worth. At this age maturation has a limited influence on the physical activity behaviours of early adolescent girls and although the variance in physical activity was partly accounted for by physical self-perceptions, this was a relatively small contribution and other factors related to this drop in physical activity need to be considered longitudinally.

Physical Self-Esteem of Adolescents with Regard to Physical Activity and Pubertal Status

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity and pubertal status differences in the multiple dimensions of physical self-esteem of Turkish adolescents. The current study also aimed to investigate the gender differences in the physical self-esteem. The pubertal status of participants was determined by a self-report questionnaire. The Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile and a weekly activity checklist were administered to 803 adolescents (Mage = 13.10 +/- 0.93). Analysis revealed significant main effects of physical activity on the multiple dimensions of physical self-esteem for both boys and girls. Follow-up analysis indicated that physically active boys and girls scored higher on almost all subscales of physical self-esteem than less active counterparts. The main effect of pubertal status and physical activity x pubertal status interaction were not significant either for boys or girls. Analysis also revealed significant gender differences in perceived body attractiveness, physical strength, physical condition, and physical self-worth subscales in favor of boys (p < .05).

A Comparison of Physical Self-Perception Profile Questionnaire Formats: Structured Alternative and Ordered Response Scale Formats

This study assessed the performance of the original version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox & Corbin, 1989) as compared to a revised version. University students (N = 259) participated in the study, each answering and comparing the clarity of the original and a revised PSPP. While participants found the revised version to be significantly clearer, it performed similarly to the original in select analyses of internal consistency and construct validity. The original structured alternative format did not have lower levels of socially desirable responding, as compared to the Likert-type ordered response scale format of the revised PSPP. Because the revised version was deemed clearer, performed similarly to the original on select psychometric analyses, and did not have any data loss, there is merit in further examining additional validity and reliability evidence for the revised PSPP.

PHYSICAL SELF-PERCEPTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM IN MALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITY PLAYERS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITY: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS USING THE PHYSICAL SELF-PERCEPTION PROFILE

The purposes of this study were threefold. The first aim was to test the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPPp) in elite basketball players and determine its sensitivity to assess Self-perceptions in athletes with and without physical disabilities. The second aim was to assess the relationship between variables such as length of sport career, frequency of doing sport and competitive level, and Self-perceptions in the physical domain as well as Global Self-esteem both in athletes with and without disability. The third aim was to assess the relationship between disability-specific variables such as lesion source, type of lesion, time onset of disability and functional classification, and Self-perceptions in the physical domain as well as Global Self-esteem in athletes with disability. The psychometric properties and validity of the PSPPp were evaluated with a sample basketball players with (n = 64) and without disability (n = 69). Cronbach alpha values for subscales ranged from .66 to .79 for the disability group and from.62 to .73 for the group without disability. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a different factorial organization to that reported with the original instrument. The hierarchical organisation of the PSPPp subscales was partially supported by correlation and partial correlation analyses especially in basketball players without disability.

Perceived sports competence mediates the relationship between childhood motor skill proficiency and adolescent physical activity and fitness: a longitudinal assessment.

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper was to investigate whether perceived sports competence mediates the relationship between childhood motor skill proficiency and subsequent adolescent physical activity and fitness.MethodsIn 2000, children's motor skill proficiency was assessed as part of a school-based physical activity intervention. In 2006/07, participants were followed up as part of the Physical Activity and Skills Study and completed assessments for perceived sports competence (Physical Self-Perception Profile), physical activity (Adolescent Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire) and cardiorespiratory fitness (Multistage Fitness Test). Structural equation modelling techniques were used to determine whether perceived sports competence mediated between childhood object control skill proficiency (composite score of kick, catch and overhand throw), and subsequent adolescent self-reported time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.ResultsOf 928 original intervention participants, 481 were located in 28 schools and 276 (57%) were assessed with at least one follow-up measure. Slightly more than half were female (52.4%) with a mean age of 16.4 years (range 14.2 to 18.3 yrs). Relevant assessments were completed by 250 (90.6%) students for the Physical Activity Model and 227 (82.3%) for the Fitness Model. Both hypothesised mediation models had a good fit to the observed data, with the Physical Activity Model accounting for 18% (R2 = 0.18) of physical activity variance and the Fitness Model accounting for 30% (R2 = 0.30) of fitness variance. Sex did not act as a moderator in either model.ConclusionDeveloping a high perceived sports competence through object control skill development in childhood is important for both boys and girls in determining adolescent physical activity participation and fitness. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to target and improve the perceived sports competence of youth.

A short and very short form of the physical self-inventory for adolescents: Development and factor validity

Objectives The Physical Self-Inventory (PSI)—a French adaptation of the Fox and Corbin's [1989. The Physical Self-Perception Profile: Development and preliminary validation. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11, 408–430] Physical Self-Perception Profile—was originally developed for use with adults and no study has systematically verified its psychometric properties in adolescent populations. Additionally, this instrument remains too long to be efficiently completed in combination with multiple other instruments within extensive longitudinal or idiographic studies. The purpose of the present investigation was thus threefold: (a) testing the factor validity and reliability of the original PSI in a sample of adolescents; (b) developing and testing the factor validity and reliability of a very short (i.e., two items per scale) form of the PSI in a sample of adolescents; and (c) testing the equivalence of the factor pattern, structural parameters, latent mean structure, and criterion-related validity of both forms of the PSI. Design Structural equation modeling approach. Method Two samples participated in this series of studies. In Study 1, a sample of 1018 adolescents completed the adult PSI (25 items) and was randomly split in two sub-samples. In Study 2, a new sample of 320 adolescents completed a very short form of the PSI (PSI-VSF). Factorial validity and gender and multigroup invariance of these instruments (PSI, PSI-VSF) were tested using confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results In Study 1, CFA and SEM analyses provided evidence for the factor validity and reliability of a short (PSI-SF: 18 items) and very short (PSI-VSF: 12 items) form of the PSI for adolescents. In Study 2, CFAs and SEMs supported the equivalence of the factor pattern, structural parameters, latent mean structure, and criterion-related validity of both forms of the PSI (i.e., PSI-SF, PSI-VSF). Conclusion The present results thus provide preliminary evidence regarding the reliability and validity of a short and a very short form of the PSI for French adolescents.

Maturational Differences in Physical Self-Perceptions and the Relationship with Physical Activity in Early Adolescent Girls

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between physical self-perceptions (PSPs), maturation, and physical activity and compared the strength of the relationships of biological and chronological age with PSPs in early adolescent girls (N = 208; mean age = 11.83 +/- 0.39 years). Participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, the Children's Physical Self-Perception Profile, and the Pubertal Development Scale. Results indicated that PSPs were significantly and moderately correlated with physical activity. There were no differences in physical activity between maturation stages. Girls who were in the early stages of maturation had significantly more positive perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self-worth than girls in the mid stages of maturation. There was no evidence of a relationship between PSPs and chronological age. This study provided further support for the relationship between PSPs and physical activity and the relationship between maturation and aspects of PSPs. In this age group, maturation does not appear to be related to physical activity or the PSPs most strongly influential on physical activity behavior.

Pilot Study

Previous research has demonstrated that exercise participation benefits certain psychological outcomes. However, few studies have examined the dose-response relationship between the various components of an exercise program (intensity, duration, frequency) and these outcomes. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to compare psychological outcomes resulting from participation in a 6-month exercise program for either 30- or 60-min per day. METHODS: Young overweight women (n=10, M age = 22.8 yrs, MBMI=32.0) completed psychological measures [Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP); Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (EE); Self-Esteem Scale (S-E); Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance (Sat); Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Dep)] at baseline and at the end of a 6-month exercise program. Participants were randomly assigned to exercise for either 30 minutes or 60 minutes/day 3 days/week for 6 months. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated from baseline to 6-months for each group. RESULTS: ESs indicated that both durations of exercise resulted in small improvements in Dep. However, 60-min of 30 min exercise resulted in larger positive effects on i6o mm PSPP, EE, S-E, and Sat than did 30-min of exercise (see Figure). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that participation in 60 minutes of aerobic exercise results in better psychological outcomes in physical self-perception, exercise self-efficacy, self esteem and satisfaction with physical function and appearance as compared to 30 minutes. This provides preliminary support for a dose response relationship between duration of physical activity and psychological outcomes in young overweight women. Funded in part by NIH 1R15HL077933–01