ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND SELF-CONCEPT AS MEDIATORS OF HEALTHY HABITS: LINEAR MODEL IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This study aims to find out the link between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), physical self-concept and academic performance with the level of Physical Activity (PA) practiced in adolescents. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional and ex post facto design is presented with a measurement in a single group in a sample of 1650 Secondary Education students. The PAQ-A, KIDMED and SCQ scales are used for data collection, using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software for statistical analysis. The results revealed that students whose vocation is to work after they have been finished their compulsory studies, the practice of PA decreases in males when the perception of academic performance is high, the reverse situation occurring in females. This situation could obviate the benefits of PA at the cognitive level, since many young people reduce active leisure time with negative consequences for their physical and mental well-being. On the contrary, young people who want to continue studying are the ones with high levels of PA, both in men and women when academic performance is higher. This could indirectly induce a positive association of academic performance with an active lifestyle.