The effects of body image perceptions on global self-esteem in adolescence

Abstract

This study will seek to determine whether physical self-worth and self-esteem are enhanced as a result of participation in sport. The Physical Self Perception Profile (PSPP) was the main research apparatus utilised with 198 first and second year students. Participants' ages ranged from 16 to 18 years and they all attended The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) in Paola. Descriptive statistics show that N=98 participants participated in sport while N=100 did not take part in any type of activity. In addition these results show that most males maintain themselves physically active 62.0%, whilst 36.0% of females do so. The mean rating scores elicited by males for the five Global Self-Esteem variables are significantly higher than the corresponding mean rating scores elicited by the females which reveal that males are more satisfied with their own body than females. In sum the statistical results reveal that there is no significance regarding the body image of those who practice a sport and those who do not. This shows that self esteem regarding how many perceive their body is not improved by doing exercise.