The purpose of this study was to assess whether the relations of body image and physical fitness were moderated by gender and locus of control (LOC). Two hundred fifty-eight college freshman students (122 women; 136 men) enrolled in a health course completed the Hall Physical Fitness Test Profile, the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale, and the 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire. Analyses of variance revealed differences between women and men, and internals and externals for measures of fitness and body image. To assess the degree of moderation due to LOC and gender, Pearson product moment correlations were computed between physical fitness and each of the body image scales by gender and LOC group (internal, external). For women with an external locus of control, better fitness was associated with increased physical activity and higher scores for fitness orientation and health evaluation. There were no significant correlations for women with an internal locus of control. For internal men, better fitness was associated with more physical activity, higher fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, and health evaluation, and lower overweight preoccupation. For men with an external locus of control, better fitness was associated with more physical activity, higher appearance evaluation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation and body areas satisfaction, and lower self-classified weight. Results are discussed in the context of social learning theory and the development of curricula to promote physical fitness and health.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to: 1. Describe the association between body image and physical fitness as a function of gender and locus of control. 2. Describe the similarities and differences in women and men college students' patterns of physical fitness, body image and locus of control. 3. List the ten subscales of the 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire. 4. List the eight components of the Hall Physical Fitness Test Profile used to assess physical fitness.
Keywords: Physical Activity, Exercise
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.