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The association between global self-esteem, physical self-concept and actual vs ideal body size rating in Chinese primary school children

International Journal of Obesity volume 28, pages 314–319 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the discrepancy between actual and ideal body size rating is related to Chinese children's global self-esteem and global physical self-concept.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of school children who completed questionnaires related to global self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and actual vs ideal body size.

SUBJECTS: A total of 386 Chinese children (44% girls and 56% boys) aged 7–13 y from a primary school in Hong Kong, China.

MEASUREMENTS: Global self-esteem and physical self-concept were measured using the physical self-descriptive questionnaire. Actual vs ideal body size discrepancy was established using the silhouette matching task.

RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between global self-esteem and actual–ideal body size discrepancy of children. Global physical self-concept had a moderate negative correlation (r=−0.12) with the body size discrepancy score and the discrepancy score explained very limited variance (R2=0.015; F(1, 296)=4.51; P<0.05) in global physical self-concept. Three body size discrepancy groups (none, positive, and negative) were examined to see if there were any significant differences in global self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and specific dimensions of physical self-concept. A significant overall difference was found between groups for global physical self-concept (F=3.73, P<0.05) and the physical self-concept subscales of physical activity (F=3.25, P<0.05), body fat (F=61.26, P<0.001), and strength (F=5.26, P<0.01). Boys scored significantly higher than girls on global physical self-concept—especially in the sport competence, strength, and endurance subscales.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the actual–ideal body size discrepancy rating of Chinese children was not predictive of global physical self-concept and global self-esteem. These findings are contrary to those reported in Western children, which may mean that culture plays a role in the formation of body attitude.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

    P W C Lau

  2. University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    A Lee

  3. University of Utah, USA

    L Ransdell

  4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    C W Yu & R Y T Sung

Authors
  1. P W C Lau
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  2. A Lee
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  3. L Ransdell
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  4. C W Yu
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  5. R Y T Sung
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Correspondence to P W C Lau.

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Lau, P., Lee, A., Ransdell, L. et al. The association between global self-esteem, physical self-concept and actual vs ideal body size rating in Chinese primary school children. Int J Obes 28, 314–319 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802520

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