Improving children's physical self-perception through a school-based physical activity intervention: The Move for Well-being in School study. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christiansen, Lars B.; Lund-Cramer, Pernille; Brondeel, Ruben; Smedegaard, Søren; Holt, Anne-Didde; Skovgaard, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 14(2018)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2017.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Physical activity at school can improve the mental health of all children – especially if it targets children's developmental needs and is carried out in a positive social climate. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a 9-month school intervention focusing on physical self-worth, self-perceived sport competence, body attractiveness, social competences and global self-worth in children aged 10–13 years. Methods: Taking self-determination theory as its starting point, the intervention was developed and pilot-tested in close co-operation with schools. It targeted 1) PE lessons, 2) in-class activity outside PE, and 3) physical activity during break-time. It used a cluster-randomized design to select 24 Danish schools either for intervention or for control. Survey data on self-perception variables, socio-demographics and physical activity was collected prior to intervention and after 9 months. Results: A total of 2797 children were included in the analyses. All five self-perception variables increased between baseline and follow-up, and there were no significant differences between intervention and control schools. Sub-group analyses of gender, social class, body image and leisure sport revealed significant differences at baseline for most self-perception variables. For students with no leisure sport participation at the intervention schools, the follow-up results showed a more positive development for global self-worth. Conclusions: Despite limited overall intervention effects on self-perceived competence and self-worth, the intervention appeared to diminish the gap between those groups with most and those with least self-confidence. Even though many of the new activities and approaches were implemented, some teachers were challenged to create a positive social climate. Highlights: Effect of school physical activity intervention on physical self-perception (PSP). Real world intervention comprising 2797 children in 4th to 6th grade. Baseline PSP differed for subgroups (e.g. gender, leisure sport participation). PSP increased for both groups, but no overall intervention effect was found. Subgroups with lower PSP, had larger intervention effects.