Perception of physical self-concept in university students in times of confinement due to COVID-19

Abstract

Confinement by COVID-19 has led to various social changes, but its impact on physical self-concept is unknown. The purpose of this work was to analyze the perception of physical self-concept in university students in times of confinement due to Covid-19. The Physical Self Questionnaire was applied to university students. For the selection of the sample the stratified random sampling procedure, for a total of 499 university students from Bogotá, Colombia. The instrument obtained acceptable Cronbach's alpha values at the general level (.943) and by dimensions. In the perception of physical self-concept at a general level and by dimensions, men obtained better scores than women. In turn, students from higher socioeconomic strata have lower scores than those from lower strata. Regarding age, older university students present lower scores in self-esteem, muscular strength, physical condition and perceived competition. The implementation of intervention programs aimed at promoting mental health related to physical selfconcept, body image, self-esteem, in addition to other aspects of mental and physical health that may be affected by the COVID-19 confinement is important within universities.