Chapter 8

Self-Perceptions and Exercise

Introduction

• Examines how self-perceptions influence exercise and well-being

Chapter Overview

• Self-esteem, self-concept, and body image play critical roles in how individuals engage with exercise.

Key Concepts

Self-Esteem

• Definition: How a person feels about himself/herself.

• Influences and is influenced by various life aspects.

Self-Concept

• Definition: How a person perceives or defines him/herself.

• Varies across different domains.

Body Image

• Definition: How a person sees his/her body.

• Consists of how one perceives physical characteristics and feelings associated with their body.

Domains of Self-Concept

• General Self-Concept: Overall perception of oneself.

• Physical Self-Concept: Specific view regarding physical appearance and capabilities.

Body Image Dimensions

• Perceptual: Accuracy of body size judgments.

• Cognitive: Satisfaction and beliefs about body image.

• Affective/Emotional: Feelings related to body image.

• Behavioral: Frequency of behaviors indicating body image disturbance.

Influencing Factors on Body Image

• Interpersonal Experiences: Teasing, praise, and comments from others.

• Psychological Factors: Self-esteem, perfectionism, social support.

• Behaviors: Impact of exercise, dieting, and grooming.

• Physical Characteristics: Factors like body fatness, muscularity, height.

• Sociocultural Influences: Cultural ideals shaped by media.

• Physical Changes: Changes due to aging, growth, injury, or disease.

Body Image Disturbances

• Anorexia Nervosa (Restricting/Binge-Eating Types)

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

• Muscle Dysmorphia

Measurement Tools

• Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

• Tennessee Self-Concept Scale

• Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ)

Body Image Measures

• Assess dimensions related to perceptions of body image, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

Effects of Exercise on Self-Perceptions

General Self-Esteem

• Exercise has a small but significant effect on overall self-perceptions.

• These effects vary but are consistent across different populations.

Physical Self-Concept

• Exercise influences aspects of physical self-concept.

• Improvements in physical self-concept often coincide with better global self-esteem.

Mechanisms of Change

• Physical Self-Efficacy: Influence of perceived physical capability.

• Physical Competence: Relationship between perceived competence and self-esteem.

• Physical Acceptance: How acceptance of one’s body affects self-view.

Subjective vs Objective Measures

• Subjective evaluations of performance are more relevant to self-esteem than objective assessments.

Strategies for Enhancing Self-Esteem

• Achieving goals boosts confidence.

• Compliments from others can positively affect self-esteem.

Effects of Exercise on Body Image

• Exercise enhances body image across genders and demographics.

• Must involve moderate intensity for real impacts.

• Immediate effects can occur after single exercise sessions.

Interplay Between Self-Perceptions and Exercise Behavior

• Global self-esteem does not consistently predict physical activity.

• Positive self-perceptions correlate with higher exercise levels.

Appearance-Related Motivation

• Can lead to poorer motivation and body image if not aligned with intrinsic goals.

• Media representations affect body image negatively.

Recommendations for Fitness Programs

• Feedback on progress is crucial in improving self-esteem.

• Promotional materials should show diverse body shapes and abilities.

• Focus should be on health and fitness rather than appearance.

Exercise Prescription for Body Image Improvement

• Frequency: Exercise on most days.

• Intensity: Engage in moderate to heavy activities.

• Type: Include aerobic and strength training exercises.

• Time: Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.

Gender-Segregation in PE Classes

• Should physical education be separated by gender to promote positive body image and self-esteem?