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Physical Self-Concept and Sports: Do Gender Differences Still Exist?

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Abstract

Gender differences in physical self-concept among elementary- and secondary-school students were investigated. Physical self-concept was measured by the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. The results indicated significantly higher physical self-concept in boys than in girls in eight subdomains, as well as global physical self-concept and self-esteem. Physical self-concept decreased with increasing age, and there was a significant age by gender interaction in the global physical, body fat, appearance, sports competence, and strength dimensions. Physical appearance was the subdomain that most strongly predicted global self-esteem. The present investigation demonstrated gender differences in multifaceted physical self-concept. Gender differences were large in the global physical, endurance, strength, appearance, and body fat-scales. In the health, flexibility, and coordination dimensions, gender differences were smaller.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

    Anne Torhild Klomsten

  2. Department of Educational Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

    Einar M. Skaalvik

  3. Department of Social Work and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

    Geir Arild Espnes

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  1. Anne Torhild Klomsten
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  2. Einar M. Skaalvik
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  3. Geir Arild Espnes
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Correspondence to Anne Torhild Klomsten.

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Klomsten, A.T., Skaalvik, E.M. & Espnes, G.A. Physical Self-Concept and Sports: Do Gender Differences Still Exist?. Sex Roles 50, 119–127 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SERS.0000011077.10040.9a

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