Relationships among Physical Self-Concept, Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents from the Province of Granada

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to analyse the relationships among physical self-concept, physical activity engagement and Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of 1650 secondary school students from the province of Granada. The study design was descriptive–exploratory, cross-sectional and ex post facto. Measurements were taken from a single group. The PSQ, PAQ-A and KIDMED questionnaires were used to measure diet quality. Results showed the presence of a positive relationship among all dimensions of physical self-concept and physical activity engagement, with better outcomes being achieved in this self-perception with increasing engagement in sport. With regard to diet quality and its repercussions on physical self-concept, it was highlighted that the dimensions of the general self-concept, physical attractiveness and strength tended to be more positive as quality improved. In contrast, worse outcomes were produced in those with a low-quality diet. In this way, it was deemed necessary to continue investigating psychosocial factors with the aim of clarifying the relationships with psychological factors and health indicators. This would enable the development of prevention and intervention programs focused on promoting wellbeing in adolescents.

An Explanatory Model of Sport Motivation, Physical Self-Concept and Anxiety as a Function of the Degree of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Future Physical Education Teachers

“…In terms of physical self-concept, participants with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet showed higher scores. These results were similar to those found by Zurita-Ortega et al [ 39 ], Pérez-Marmol et al [ 40 ], and Padial-Ruz et al [ 41 ], stating that young people who engage in regular physical activity tend to consume a nutritious and healthy diet, which has a positive impact on sports performance, as well as on body image and well-being.…”

Negative Physical Self-Concept Is Associated to Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Negative Lifestyle and Poor Mental Health in Chilean Schoolchildren

“…In the present study, PA levels were associated with PSC. A previous study also reported that PA was positively related to PSC in schoolchildren [38]. Likewise, a systematic review with a meta-analysis reported that PA interventions were linked to higher selfconcept in children and adolescents; the authors therefore indicated that PA at school should be increased to promote psychological well-being [74].…”

“…Likewise, it has been reported that having low PSC impact the risk of having low levels of PA, bad MD adherence and poor life satisfaction in adolescents [37]. Better PA levels and less ST adherence could impact positively the PSC [38,39] According with the previous evidence, we hypothesized that PSC are linked to wellbeing, physical fitness and lifestyle at the school age. However, there is little information regarding PSC related to lifestyle parameters that include ST and nutritional level markers such as MD adherence in Chilean children.…”

Emotional Intelligence, Physical Activity Practice and Mediterranean Diet Adherence-An Explanatory Model in Elementary Education School Students

“…A positive link is observed between emotional intelligence and Mediterranean Diet adherence. The study by Pérez-Mármol et al [ 41 ] affirms that a healthy diet together with an active lifestyle brings benefits in self-concept, with improvements in the physical and emotional areas of young people.…”