Physical self-concept of adolescent athletes and its relation to sport performance development and gender

Based on a multidimensional model of physical self-concept, the purpose of the present study is to examine the perception of physical abilities and physical appearance of male and female athletes in youth sport, its intraindividual variation, and its relation to sport performance. Participants were 191 athletes (109 girls and 82 boys) aged 8 to 20 years, who completed questionnaires assessing physical abilities and physical appearance. To test the hypothesis of longitudinal effects, a one-year follow up was conducted. Results show that male participants have a more positive physical self-concept than females. Cross-sectionally, the physical self-concept is not related to performance level in sport. But follow up data reveal parallel improvements in sport performance and in some parts of the physical self-concept, whereas other parts remain unaffected by sport performance. Results demonstrate better physical self-concept in males than females and the stability of physical self-concept of athletes in youth sport. Physical activity in childhood and youth seems to have a buffering effect against self-defeating tendencies in the perception of physical abilities and physical appearance.