The relationship between sports participation and self-esteem during early adolescence

Author: Bowker, A.

Description: The main purpose of the present study was to examine the links between sports participation and self-esteem, with particular interest in the possible mediating role of physical self-esteem. The participants in this study were 382 students (167 boys; 215 girls) in Grades 5-8. Participants completed a series of paper and pencil measures, detailing their sports participation, as well as their self-perceptions concerning physical and general self-esteem. Sports participation was related to all indices of self-esteem and this was equally true for boys and girls. Two distinct but related factors were identified as components of physical self-esteem (Physical appearance and Physical competence), differentially associated with self-esteem for boys and girls. Results supported a mediational model, with physical self-esteem mediating the relationship between sports participation and general self-esteem. Significant sex differences were noted with regard to specific indices of physical self-esteem.

Subject Headings: Self-Esteem; Sports; Adolescence

Keywords: The relationship between sports participation and self-esteem during early adolescence

Publication year: 2006

Journal or book title: Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement

Volume: 38

Issue: 3

Pages: 214-229

Find the full text : https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-12375-002

Find more like this one (cited by): https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=4637117820669279071&as_sdt=1000005&sciodt=0,16&hl=en

Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 2460