PHYSICAL SELF-CONCEPT IN SLOVENIAN ADOLESCENTS: DIFFERENCES BY GENDER AND SPORTS PARTICIPATION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the multidimensional physical self-concept among Slovenian adolescent males and females in relation to participation in sports. Three hundred and twenty participants aged between 13 and 18 were included in the study. The Slovenian version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) was used to measure the participants’ physical self-concept. The results of the multivariate analysis of variance indicated that sport participants had significantly higher scores on almost all the PSDQ subscales than non-sport participants. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that sports participation is associated with a more positive physical self-concept and greater self-esteem among adolescents. The findings confirm the existence of gender differences in the physical self-concept of adolescents, but it should be stressed that these differences are smaller in sport participants than non-sport participants. The results might be useful to reflect on effective physical education and sports programs in order to promote a more active and healthy lifestyle among adolescents.