The exercise and self-esteem model in adult women: the inclusion of physical acceptance

Objectives: To examine the role of physical acceptance in the exercise and self-esteem model [Sonstroem, R. J., & Morgan, W. P. (1989). Exercise and self-esteem: Rationale and model. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 21, 329-337], and the model's proposed mediating relationships. Design: Using the procedures outlined by Baron and Kenny [Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173-1182], a series of regression analyses were conducted to examine the model's proposed relationships, and the particular role of physical acceptance. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Adult women (n = 122; M age = 45.9 years; SD = 12.8) completed valid and reliable self-report measures of exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, perceptions of physical competence, perceptions of physical acceptance, and global self-esteem. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed model components explained 22% of the variability in global self-esteem (p < 0.001), with only perceptions of physical acceptance making a significant unique contribution, explaining 12.6%. The effects of exercise behavior on perceived physical competence and exercise self-efficacy on physical acceptance were direct, rather than being mediated by exercise self-efficacy and perceived physical competence, respectively. Conclusions: These findings provide partial support for the exercise and self-esteem model, and suggest the importance of physical acceptance in understanding the exercise and self-esteem relationship in women. Further examination of the specific links within the model are warranted within a variety of physical activity contexts. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.