Effects of a Competitive Endurance Training Program on Self-Concept and Peer Approval

Summary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a cardiovascular fitness program on the self-concept and peer approval of seventh grade boys. Thirty-seven low self-esteem Ss were randomly divided into a control group (participated in no formal physical education activity) and an experimental group (participated in a special running training program).

At the end of an 18 week training program the two groups were significantly different in cardiovascular endurance, indicating the efficacy of the experimental treatment. There was an increase in self-concept from pretest to posttest for the experimental group only. Neither group had a significant change in peer approval.