Exercising the Self - On the Role of Exercise, Gender and Culture in Physical Self-Perceptions

This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

In modern society, individuals constantly pass judgments on their own body and physical competence. For the person, these physical self-perceptions (PSP) may negatively affect global self-esteem and general mental well being. Three studies was conducted to examine the role that exercise, gender and culture play in the formation of PSP. In Study I, cross-cultural differences in PSP across three national samples (Great Britain, Swe-den and Turkey) of university students was found. Also, the validity of the instrument Physical Self-Perception Profile was supported across the samples. In Study II, higher self-reported exercise frequency was associated with more positive PSP and more importance attributed to PSP in Swedish university students. Males overall demonstrated more positive PSP than females. In Study III, strong support for the effects of an empowerment-based exercise intervention programme on PSP and social physique anxiety (SPA) over six months for adolescent girls was found. The results of the studies show that exercise can be a powerful tool in the professional promotion of general well-being, especially for groups that are less satisfied with themselves and their bodies.