Self-Esteem and Exercise Psychology

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Self-Esteem and Exercise Psychology, including definitions of self-concept, self-esteem, body image, related health outcomes, measurement tools, and practitioner recommendations for addressing body image disturbance.

Self-Concept

The way we see ourselves.

Self-Esteem

Evaluative judgments of success relative to self-concept.

Physical Self-Concept

An aspect of self-concept related to one's physical self and abilities.

Body Image

Synonymous with the 'Attractive Body' domain of physical self-concept, encompassing how a person perceives, thinks, or feels about their body.

Personal Value (in self-concept)

Those aspects of our self-concept that hold the greatest personal value contribute the most to one’s self-esteem.

Low Self-Esteem

Occurs when one's evaluation of their self is not congruent with their self-concept.

Self-Esteem and Health Connection

Self-esteem is closely linked to well-being, overall happiness, emotional stability, and resilience to stress, with low self-esteem associated with various negative health outcomes.

William James' Self-Esteem Formula

Self-esteem = Successes / Expectations. To improve self-esteem, one must either increase successes or adjust expectations.

Self-Esteem Across the Lifespan

Meta-analyses indicate specific patterns of average yearly change in global self-esteem across the lifespan.

Self-Esteem Variability in Youth

Change in self-esteem is in the greatest flux among children, adolescents, and young adults, demonstrating highly variable changes.

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES)

The most widely used self-report measure to capture global self-esteem.

Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP)

A self-report measure that assesses overall physical self-worth and four distinct domains of physical self-concept.

Children and Youth PSPP (CY-PSPP)

An adapted version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile for use with children and adolescents.

Perceptual (Physical Self-Perception Pathway)

How someone sees or perceives their body, regardless of accuracy (e.g., perceiving oneself as overweight despite being a healthy weight).

Cognitive (Physical Self-Perception Pathway)

The thoughts and beliefs a person holds about their body or physical self (e.g., 'I’m not athletic enough to join a gym').

Affective (Physical Self-Perception Pathway)

The emotions and feelings connected to one’s body and physical self (e.g., pride in muscle tone, shame in swimwear).

Behavioral (Physical Self-Perception Pathway)

The actions and behaviors people engage in because of their body perceptions (e.g., avoiding social events due to dissatisfaction, seeking challenging workouts due to confidence).

Body Image Disturbance (BID)

A persistent dissatisfaction, distress, or distortion in how a person perceives, thinks, or feels about their body, often leading to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors.

Mirror Behaviors (BID sign)

Behavioral signs of BID including avoiding mirrors, excessive mirror checking, or scrutinizing body parts.

Body Checking (BID sign)

Behavioral signs of BID such as frequently pinching skin, measuring body parts, weighing oneself, constantly adjusting clothing, or comparing one’s body to others.

Body Avoidance (BID sign)

Behavioral signs of BID involving reluctance to wear form-fitting clothes, gym attire, or avoiding group fitness settings that highlight the body.

Exercise-Related Signs (BID sign)

Behavioral signs of BID including exercising despite injury/illness/exhaustion, or experiencing guilt/distress if missing a workout.

Verbal/Psychological Cues (BID sign)

Signs of BID like frequent negative self-talk about weight/shape/appearance or seeking repeated reassurance about looks from others.

Self-Report Questionnaires (BID measurement)

Tools like the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) or Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) to assess BID.

Perceptual Measures (BID measurement)

Methods focusing on accuracy or distortion in body size/shape perception, such as figure rating scales or computerized body morphing tasks.

Behavioral/Clinical Assessment (BID measurement)

Measurement of BID through clinical interviews and observations.

Awareness and Recognition (Practitioner Recommendation)

Being aware of behavioral signs of Body Image Disturbance (BID) and patterns signaling distress related to body image, physical self-worth, or global self-esteem.

Language and Communication (Practitioner Recommendation)

Using neutral, supportive, and health-focused language (emphasizing strength, energy, function, well-being) and avoiding weight/appearance-focused comments or negative comparisons.

Supportive Environment (Practitioner Recommendation)

Creating an environment that avoids reinforcing narrow appearance ideals and models positive body talk, as well as balanced attitudes toward food, exercise, and rest.

Boundaries of Practice (Practitioner Recommendation)

Fitness professionals recognizing they are not mental health providers and compassionately encouraging clients to seek additional support from qualified professionals, with referral resources available.

Empathy and Compassion (Practitioner Recommendation)

Validating clients’ feelings without reinforcing negative self-perceptions, celebrating progress beyond appearance, and respecting clients’ comfort levels with body-related measurements or photos.