Physical Fitness, Self-Esteem, and Attitudes toward Physical Activity

Abstract

A total of 165 adolescent boys took measures of physical fitness, general self-esteem, and attitudes toward physical activities. High-fit compared to low-fit boys were higher in self-estimates of physical ability (P < .007) and self-reported attraction to physical activities (P < .007) but not significantly different in general self-esteem nor in reported extent of participation in voluntary physical activities. In addition significant correlations were observed between self-estimates of physical ability and attraction to physical activity, and between attraction to physical activity and extent of voluntary participation in physical activity.