The relationship between self-concept and selected physical characteristics among female varsity athletes and non-participants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-concept and selected physical characteristics among female varsity athletes and non-participants. The specific objectives of this investigation were: 1) to determine if relative differences exist between athlete and non-participant groups on the total self, and on the parts thereof, namely, physical self, moral-ethical self, personal self, family self, and social self; 2) to determine if self-concept differs as a function of somatotypes after controlling for athletes and non-participants; 3) to determine if self-concept differs as a function of percent body fat after controlling for athletes and nonparticipants; 4) to determine if self-concept differs as a function of physical fitness after controlling for athletes and non-participants; and 5) to determine if self-concept differs as a function of motor ability after controlling for athletes and non-participants. A total of 99 female students enrolled at Texas A&M University served as subjects for this study. The sample consisted of 48 female varsity athletes and 51 non-participants. The subjects were administered the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) and completed a demographic data questionnaire. Data were collected on the following independent variables: somatotype, which consisted of Sheldon's photo technique; percent body fat, from the triceps and suprailiac skinfolds; physical fitness, items from the Texas Physical Fitness-Motor Ability Test (dips, sit-ups, 12 minute run); and motor ability, items from the Texas Physical Fitness-Motor Ability Test (standing broad jump, zig-zag run, 8 second run). Results of the analysis to determine if relative differences existed between athletes and non-participants revealed no significant differences. The multiple regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables, self-concept, with one minor exception. The combination of all five independent variables accounted for 9 percent of the total variance in the dependent measure, physical self, p < .10. Overall results indicated that very little relationship existed between any of the variables measured...