Self-Concept and Physical Activity: Differences Between High School and University Students in Spain and Portugal

Abstract

The period of adolescence stands out as a critical and decisive phase, first because it leaves its mark on personality development, which is affected by psychosocial factors, and second because the healthy lifestyle habits acquired during this stage form a foundation for adulthood. The objective of the present study was first to evaluate the levels of participation in physical activities (PA) and of self-concept in high school and university students, and second to find relationships between these psycho-physical variables. Four hundred and forty adolescents ranging in age from 16 to 20 years, from Spain and Portugal, participated in this study (cross-sectional design). The IPAQ and Self-Concept Form-5 questionnaires were used. The results demonstrated some differences; the Portuguese university students had lower scores in the academic, emotional and physical dimensions and vigorous PA but higher sitting time, walking and moderate PA compared to Portuguese high school students. In addition, Spanish university students had lower self-concept scores although higher practice of PA and lower sitting time than Spanish high school students ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, a positive relationship was found between different dimensions of self-concept and levels of PA, while the relationship between these dimensions and the time the adolescent spent sitting was negative. In conclusion, the university students have lower scores of self-concept dimensions (in general), and the practice of PA is higher in Spanish university students, confirming the clear presence of differences between both educational stages. The relationship between the dimensions of self-concept in general and the level of PA was positive (following the contributions of Marsh).

Basic Psychological Needs, Physical Self-Concept, and Physical Activity Among Adolescents: Autonomy in Focus

“…The scale comprises thirty items, six per dimension, with a response scale ranging from 1 to 99. AF5 is one of the most widely used measuring instruments for self-concept among Spanish-speaking samples (e.g., Lila et al, 2000;Pellerano et al, 2006;Méndez-Giménez et al, 2013;González-Hernández, 2017, 2018;Onetti-Onetti et al, 2019). The structure of the scale has been empirically tested using exploratory factorial analysis (García and Musitu, 2014) and confirmatory factorial analysis (García et al, 2006(García et al, , 2011).…”

Analysis of Self-Concept in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Lockdown: Differences by Gender and Sports Activity

“…The need to study the association between self-concept and physical activity during this period lies in the importance of children's development, with the physical practice being a means of improving mental processes and socialisation in children [19]. Adolescents who habitually participate in physical and sports activities have a better self-concept, which is the social motor that drives better academic performance and helps their relations with peers [24].…”

Indicators of physical activity and fitness of male students at Russian universities

“…The average validated PA of students in sports and fitness is 274 minutes per week (about 39 minutes per day). It should be recognized that this data is below the level PA recommended by experts for maintaining physical health (60 minutes per day) [5].…”

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