Associations between Body Image and Self-Perceived Physical Fitness in Future Spanish Teachers

Abstract

Body image is a complex construct related to how each person perceives their own body and how they value it. Physical fitness and physical activity are factors that can influence the perception of a better or worse body image. This study aimed to identify the potential associations between body image and physical fitness self-perception in future Spanish teachers, analysing possible sex-related differences. A total of 278 Spanish university students answered the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire and the International Fitness Scale, having an average age of 22 years, of which 40% were men and 60% were women. Nonparametric techniques (Spearman’s Rho test) were used as the data did not fit normality. The findings showed associations between body image and perceived physical fitness, confirming differences between the sexes. Correlations were found between the first three dimensions of the Multidimensional Body Self Relations and the International Fitness Scale, with sex-related differences being more significant in women than in men, and between the physical abilities self-assessed by the International Fitness Scale (except flexibility) and the dimensions of the Multidimensional Body Self Relations (except Dimension 4). Since body image influences well-being and conditions the time spent exercising, public health organisations and universities should design supports to improve master students’ body image through physical activity programmes, education and sex-specific individualised attention.

Influence of Parental Perception of Child’s Physical Fitness on Body Image Satisfaction in Spanish Preschool Children

“…A recent meta-analysis shows that girls tend to place more importance on their bodies than boys [ 27 ]. Other authors agree with our findings, but in a different population, in teachers instead of children [ 28 ].…”

Predictive Model of the Relationship between Positive and Negative Affect, Self-Consciousness of Appearance, and Positive Body Image in Physical Exercise Practice

“…Body image is a person's perception of their own body, including physical appearance, shape, size, and self-acceptance. These results may be because physical exercise is directly related to the level of subjective well-being and reduces negative emotions [30,43,64]. It should be noted that positive affect significantly influences self-awareness of appearance (H1).…”

“…Body functionality is a valuable construct concerning positive body image and well-being [31]. Therefore, physical exercise should be implemented daily [64]. Engagement in physical exercise is a fundamental embodied practice, but exercise does not automatically foster positive embodiment simply by being in our bodies when we exercise [22].…”