Psychosocial Variables Associated With Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle School Students

Abstract

This study examined the associations among self-esteem, depression, physical self-concept, and body satisfaction among 1,022 middle school students who were in the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zone^™ (HFZ) compared to those in the Needs Improvement Zone (NIZ) for body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), participants in the body composition HFZ reported higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as being more flexible and having greater endurance than those in the NIZ. After controlling for SES, girls in the cardiorespiratory HFZ had higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as stronger, having greater endurance, and having lower levels of depression than those in the NIZ. Similarly, boys in the cardiorespiratory HFZ reported having greater endurance and being stronger and more satisfied with their bodies than boys in the NIZ. The findings have implications for promoting healthy school environments.

Key words:

• body mass index
• body satisfaction
• psychosocial health
• self-esteem

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christy A. Greenleaf

This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). The authors thank the Denton Independent School District middle school teachers and students for their involvement in the project. Likewise, we extend appreciation to Nick Beck and Jayson Rhoton for their assistance in data entry and management. Please address correspondence regarding the NASPE grant to Scott Martin; please address all other correspondence concerning this article to Christy A. Greenleaf. Both authors are at: University of North Texas, Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation, 1155 Union Circle #310769, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203-5017