Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions and Physical Self-Image In Youth

Rebecca Williams; Claudio Nigg; Mae Oda

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v3i4.1786

Rebecca Williams Department of Public Health Sciences & Epidemiology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Claudio Nigg Department of Public Health Sciences & Epidemiology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Mae Oda Waiakea School Complex

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v3i4.1786

Abstract

The importance of improving physical self-image and its related consequences in youth provided the rationale for this study. Based on the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model, the adapted Health Behavior and Self-Esteem Model provides an explanation of behavior (physical activity and nutrition) leading to selfimage. We found that physical activity and nutrition were related with self-image by gender and grades (4-12) during a school year. Cross-sectional pre- (n=263; 52.9% female) and post- (n=287; 51.5% female) intervention data revealed that: males generally belonged to more active groups; males were more satisfied with their physical body attributes than their female peers; and that 82% of the physical activity, nutrition, and self-image study variables remained stable across time. The maintaining of health behaviors mirroring the maintenance of physical self-image lends credence to this aspect of the adapted Health Behavior and Self Esteem Model. More rigorous testing of the full Model is warranted.