Association between physical activity levels and adolescents’ self-perception of self-esteem

Abstract

Physical activity levels and the self-perception of self-esteem are kindred factors of the health status of the population. Therefore, the scope of this research was to analyze the association between physical activity levels and adoles-cents’ self-perception of self-esteem. The sample consisted of 98 individuals with an average age of 16.7 ± 1.2. Two tools were used: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short version, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Binary logistic regression (Odds Ratio) with α of 5% was then applied. The theoretical evidence revolved around the contemporary approach to the definition of health; and the results were discussed in the light of the behavioral theory of the adolescent. There was a predominance of active adolescents (41.8%), as well as a smaller proportion of sedentary adolescents (4.1%). A total of 55.1% had high self-esteem, while 44.9% were found to have low self-esteem. The conclusion drawn is that there was no association (Wald F = 2.756; p = 0.600) between the level of physical activity and the self-perception of self-esteem. Lastly, the behavioral aspects of the adolescent that point to future potential areas of investigation related to the theme of this group were discussed.