1. Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, and Exercise8

3. Self-Concept Defined The way in which we see or define ourselves
“Who I am.”

4. Self-Concept Model
One’s general (overall) self-concept is an aggregate construct determined by judgments of self-concept in a number of domains
General self-concept consists of two primary categories:
Academic self-concept (primary learning domains)
Nonacademic self-concept

5. Diagram of the Self-Concept Model
Evaluation of the behaviors in specific situations
Multifacted model of self-concept that asserts that one’s general overall self-concept was an aggregrate construct coming from a number of other domains.
This model is hierarchially organized and more situational specific and unstable evaluations are evident at lower levels where as has one progresses higher become more stable at the upper levels.
Top of the model is general self-concept consists of academic self-concept and nonacademic self-concept
Non academic self-concept is divided into social, emotional and physical.
Physical self-concept comes from one judgements of both their general physical abilities and appearance.
Physical self-concept as welll as the others are formed by success and failures.
Source: Shavelson, Hubner, & Stanton (1976).

6. Nonacademic Self-Concept
Physical self-concept
Individual’s judgments of both general physical abilities and physical appearance
Social self-concept
Enhanced by positive interaction with others
Emotional self-concept
Cognitive or emotional states

7. More on the Self-Concept Model
The base level of the hierarchy is defined by one’s behavior in specific situations
Judgments of physical ability are based on our perceptions of successful and unsuccessful performance in a number of activities engaged in over a period of time

8. Self-Esteem Defined
The evaluative or affective consequence of one’s self-concept
The extent to which one feels positive or negative about one’s self-concept
“How I feel about who I am.”
Synonymous with “self-worth”

9. Importance of Self-Esteem
Happiness
Self-esteem topped the list of needs that bring happiness to people
Motivator for physical activity?
Promoting the self-esteem–enhancing properties of physical activity is a good strategy for improving activity levels.

10. Diagram of the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model
hierarchically organized is leading to predictions of global self-esteem.
The horizontal axis list various assessments that would be conducted when an intervention is presented.
For example a 12 month exercise program….where self-esteem would be measured frequently.
Vertical axis has much the same role as in the self-concept model. The axis is anchored by specific self-perceptions at the base and general self-perception at the top.
Physical self-efficacy is based on sources of self-efficacy..
Physical acceptance refers to the extent to which the individual accepts his or her level of physical competence.
Source: Sonstroem & Morgan (1989).

11. Physical Self-Esteem
The body appearance, attributes, and abilities provides substantive interface between the individual and the outside world.
Major vehicle for social communication
Used to express status and sexuality
Physical self strongly correlated to across one’s lifespan to global self-esteem

12. More on the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model
Also relevant to self-esteem:
Physical acceptance: The extent to which an individual accepts who he/she is physically
Subjective perception of success: Although objective indicators of improved fitness may not be present, self-concept/self-esteem might improve if one feels that physical competence has improved

13. Measuring Physical Self Esteem/ Self-Concept
Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP)
Two physical self-concept/self-esteem inventories in 1980s/1990s:
Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP): based on notion of self-concept. 30 item battery similar and very valid across all population groups. Has yet to used in ethnic diverse groups.
Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) is 70 question item. It is single statement item. Provides a comprehensive measure of physical self-concept and self-esteem.
Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ)

14. Measuring Physical Self Esteem/ Self-Concept
Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP)
Valid and reliable across a variety of measures
Substantial amount of reading with complex response format, making it less user-friendly
Shorter
A comprehensive assessment of physical self-concept
Global measures of both physical self-concept and self-esteem
Single-statement items
Longer
Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ)

15. Sample Items from the Physical Self-Perception Profile
Source: Fox and Corbin (1989).

16. Significance of Self-Esteem
Promoting the self-esteem–enhancing properties of physical activity might be a viable strategy for improving activity levels in those individuals who view self-esteem as a primary psychological need.

17. Mechanisms of Change Mastery/self-efficacy theory
Body image/body esteem
Self-schemata
Self-determination

18. Mastery/Self-Efficacy
Based on the degree to which a person feels he or she has mastered necessary skills, he/she will report improvements in physical self-efficacy.

19. Body Image/Body Esteem
One’s perception of one’s body elicits either pleasing/satisfying or displeasing/dissatisfying feelings.

20. Diagram of Possible Linkage Between Body Image and Self-Esteem Following Exercise

21. Self-Schemata—Three Categories of Exercise-Specific Identities
Exerciser schematics
Describe themselves as exercisers and rate this self-identification as crucial to self-image
Nonexerciser schematics
Describe themselves as nonexercisers who consider this (deficient) descriptor to be a significant influence on self-image
Aschematics
Describe themselves as nonexercisers but don’t consider this perception to be important to self-image
Novel explanation of exercise and self-concept/self esteem relationship.
Develop a specific domain know as self-schemata.
Individual fall into three categories

22. Diagram of Possible Linkage Between Exercise Schema and Self-Esteem Following Chronic Exercise

23. Self-Determination
An individual’s drive to autonomously and successfully perform behaviors important to him/her
Vast potential to influence self-esteem
Completion of an event/goal could lead to enhanced feelings of self-determination because of considerable internal capabilities:
Self-motivation
Discipline
Effort

24. Diagram of Possible Linkage Between Exercise Schema and Self-Esteem Following Chronic Exercise
The model has as yet to be tested.

25. The Effects of Exercise on Self-Esteem/Self-Concept

26. Research
Special population including older adults and mental retardation
Mentally and physically healthy youth and adolescents
Children with learning disabilities
Adults with cancer
Clinically depressed
Alcoholics
Injured athletes
Obese

27. Selective Research
Obese male teenagers a 3 week PA program resulted in significant improvement in body weight, cardiovascular fitness, and attitude toward body and self acceptance (Collingwood & Willett, 1971)
African American girls with high levels of self-esteem significantly attended more PA sessions per year (Lemmon et al., 2007)
Researchers involving 320 Chinese children found that their perception of appearance and strength impacted their overall self-concept (Lau, Cheung, & Ransdell, 2008)
In short:
78% of research studies support positive association between exercise and self-esteem (Fox, 2000)

28. Physical Activity and Self-esteem
Physical activity has a moderate effect on self-esteem
Gruber, 1986; Hodges & McDonald, 1991, Fox, 2000

29. Self-Esteem and Exercise
- Largest benefit is associated with weight training and aerobic activities (Fox, 2000)
-Exercise programs should last for at least 12 weeks or more (Fox 2000)
-Does-response relationship of exercise and self-esteem have not been found about exercise frequency, intensity, and duration.
-There is a trend in the data by Spence el al, 2005 that indicates more frequent participation leads to increase in self-esteem.
Does respones means short term exercise does not change self-esteem.

30. Practical Recommendations
Certain steps can be taken to ensure that the activity engaged in will lead to improvements in self-concept/self-esteem:
Determine why individual is interested in exercise regime; determine what his/her goals are
Conduct baseline health and fitness assessments, to provide feedback about progress
Ensure that exerciser feels a sense of accomplishment and personal control regarding exercise routine
Focus on effort and personal improvement

31. Summary
Exercise generally exerts a positive influence on self-concept/self esteem.
Researcher has yet to document a negative effect of exercise on self-concept/self-esteem
Greatest improvement in self-concept/self-esteem are likely to occur in those populations that have the most to gain from exercise participation.
Influence of exercise on global self-esteem may fall from small to moderate effect size (Spence & Colleagues, 2005)