The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Social-Physique Anxiety and Self-Esteem

Year 2023, Volume: 14 Issue: 3, 346 - 367, 29.12.2023

Sinan Yıldırım , Gülhazal Özgökçe

https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1312256

Cited By: 3

Abstract

The primary aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, life satisfaction, and the mediating effects of social-physique anxiety and self-esteem. Furthermore, this study assessed the measurement invariance of research models according to gender and age. A total of 334 participants (29.43 ± 8.17 years) completed the measures. Path analysis was utilized to appraise the research models. The research models exhibited excellent fit based on the data fit index values. The findings of the study showed a positive relationship between physical activity and both self-esteem and life satisfaction. In contrast, a negative relationship was observed between social-physique anxiety and physical activity. Social-physique anxiety was negatively related to self-esteem and life satisfaction. Furthermore, social-physique anxiety played a mediating role in the correlation between physical activity and life satisfaction. Additionally, self-esteem was a mediator in the relationship between social-physique anxiety and life satisfaction. Physical activity directly and indirectly positively impacted life satisfaction, mediated by social-physique anxiety and self-esteem. Eventually, the finding highlights physical activity's significance in mitigating social-physique anxiety and promoting self-esteem and life satisfaction. Hence, promoting physical activity can yield positive outcomes for both physical and psychological well-being, contributing to an overall improvement in quality of life. Encouraging regular physical activity can be incorporated into public health campaigns and wellness programs, as well as in individualized health plans.

Keywords

Life satisfaction, Physical activity, Self-esteem, Social-physique anxiety

References

• Abdollahi, A., Prasad, K. D. V., Abdelrasheed, N. S. G., Alshahrani, S. H., Shoja, S. J., Al-Awsi, G. R. L., Estrado-Araoz, E.G., Singer, N., Ramirez-Coronel, A.A., Mustafa, Y.K. & Iswanto, A. H. (2023). An investigation of relationships between body compassion, social-physique anxiety and physical appearance perfectionism in young people from Iran. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00807-x
• Altıntaş, A., Aşçı, F. H., Kin-İşler, A., Güven-Karahan, B., Kelecek, S., Özkan, A., Yılmaz, A. & Kara, F. M. (2014). The role of physical activity, body mass index and maturity status in body-related perceptions and self-esteem of adolescents. Annals of Human Biology, 41(5), 395-402. https://doi.org/10.3109/03014460.2013.857721
• Aşçı, F. H., Tüzün, M., & Koca, C. (2006). An examination of eating attitudes and physical activity levels of Turkish university students with regard to self-presentational concern. Eating Behaviors, 7(4), 362-367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2005.11.011
• Azevedo, M. R., Araújo, C. L. P., Reichert, F. F., Siqueira, F. V., da Silva, M. C., & Hallal, P. C. (2007). Gender differences in leisure-time physical activity. International Journal of Public Health, 52, 8-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-5062-1
• Bauman, A., Bull, F., Chey, T., Craig, C. L., Ainsworth, B. E., Sallis, J. F., Bowles, H.R., Hagstromer, M., Sjostrom, M., Pratt, M. & The IPS group (2009). The international prevalence study on physical activity: results from 20 countries. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 6(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-6-21
• Berger, B. G., Darby, L. A., Owen, D. R., & Carels, R. A. (2021). Influence of a 16-week weight loss program and social-physique anxiety on program success and subjective well-being in obese, sedentary women. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 19(3), 310-325. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2019.1674899
• Blanchflower, D. G., & Oswald, A. J. (2008). Is well-being U-shaped over the life cycle? Social Science & Medicine, 66(8), 1733-1749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.01.030
• Bleidorn, W., Arslan, R. C., Denissen, J. J., Rentfrow, P. J., Gebauer, J. E., Potter, J., & Gosling, S. D. (2016). Age and gender differences in self-esteem—A cross-cultural window. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 111(3), 396-410. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000081
• Bozoğlan, B., Demirer, V., & Sahin, I. (2013). Loneliness, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction as predictors of Internet addiction: A cross‐sectional study among Turkish university students. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 54(4), 313-319. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12049
• Bowden, R. G., Rust, D. M., Dunsmore, S., & Briggs, J. (2005). Changes in social physique anxiety during 16-week physical activity courses. Psychological Reports, 96, 690–692. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.96.3.690-692 Brunet, J., & Sabiston, C. M. (2009). Social physique anxiety and physical activity: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10(3), 329-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2008.11.002
• Brunet, J., Sabiston, C. M., Dorsch, K. D., & McCreary, D. R. (2010). Exploring a model linking social-physique anxiety, drive for muscularity, drive for thinness and self-esteem among adolescent boys and girls. Body Image, 7(2), 137-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2009.11.004
• Brown, D. R. (1992). Physical activity, aging, and psychological well-being: An overview of the research. Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, 17(3), 185–193.
• Caspersen, C. J., Powell, K. E., & Christenson, G. M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports, 100(2), 126-131.
• Campbell, A., & Hausenblas, H. A. (2009). Effects of exercise interventions on body image: A meta-analysis. Journal of Health Psychology, 14(6), 780-793. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105309338977
• Chen, F. F. (2007). Sensitivity of goodness of fit indexes to lack of measurement invariance. Structural Equation Modeling. A Multidisciplinary Journal, 14(3), 464–504. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705510701301834
• Chen, S. X., Cheung, F. M., Bond, M. H., & Leung, J. P. (2006). Going beyond self‐esteem to predict life satisfaction: The Chinese case. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 9(1), 24-35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2006.00182.x
• Cheung, G. W., & Rensvold, R. B. (2002). Evaluating goodness-of-fit indexes for testing measurement invariance. Structural Equation Modeling, 9(2), 233-255. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328007SEM0902_5 Comrey, A.L. & Lee, H.B. (1992). A first course in factor analysis. (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.
• Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v06n0301
• Cruz-Ferreira, A., Fernandes, J., Gomes, D., Bernardo, L. M., Kirkcaldy, B. D., Barbosa, T. M., & Silva, A. (2011). Effects of pilates-based exercise on life satisfaction, physical self-concept and health status in adult women. Women & Health, 51(3), 240-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2011.563417
• Çuhadaroğlu, F. (1986). Self-Esteem in Adolescents. Ankara: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry Unpublished Specialization Thesis.
• Dağlı, A., & Baysal, N. (2016). Adaptation of the satisfaction with life scale into Turkish: The study of validity and reliability. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 15(59), 1250–1262. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.263229
• Davison, T. E., & McCabe, M. P. (2006). Adolescent body image and psychosocial functioning. The Journal of Social Psychology, 146(1), 15-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.3200/SOCP.146.1.15-30
• Diener, E., & Diener, M. (1995). Cross-cultural correlates of life satisfaction and self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68(4), 653–663. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.68.4.653
• Diener, E., & Diener, M. (2009). Cross-cultural correlates of life satisfaction and self-esteem. In Culture and well-being (pp. 71-91). Springer, Dordrecht.
• Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
• Diener, E. D, Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276–302. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.125.2.276
• Dishman, R. K., & O'Connor, P. J. (2009). Lessons in exercise neurobiology: the case of endorphins. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 2(1), 4-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2009.01.002
• Eng, W., Heimberg, R. G., Hart, T. A., Schneier, F. R., & Liebowitz, M. R. (2001). Attachment in individuals with social anxiety disorder: the relationship among adult attachment styles, social anxiety, and depression. Emotion, 1(4), 365. https://doi.org/10.1037/1528-3542.1.4.365
• Erçevik, A. (2021). The mediating role of family and friend support in the relationship between adolescents’ social appearance anxiety and satisfaction with life. Ahi Evran University Journal of Kırşehir Education Faculty, 22(2), 750-775. https://doi.org/10.29299/kefad.797967
• Elavsky, S., & McAuley, E. (2005). Physical activity, symptoms, esteem, and life satisfaction during menopause. Maturitas, 52(3-4), 374-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2004.07.014
• George, D., & Mallery, P. (2012). IBM SPSS statistics 23 step by step: A simple guide and reference. Routledge.
• Gür, F. (2021). Turkish validity and reliability study of physical activity scale-2. Journal of Sports and Performance Researches, 12 (3), 252-263. https://doi.org/10.17155/omuspd.891196
• Hagger, M. S., & Stevenson, A. (2010). Social-physique anxiety and physical self-esteem: gender and age effects. Psychology and Health, 25(1), 89-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903160990
• Hagger, M. S., Aşçι, F. H., Lindwall, M., Hein, V., Mülazιmoğlu‐Ballι, Ö., Tarrant, M., Pastor Ruiz, Y. & Sell, V. (2007). Cross‐cultural validity and measurement invariance of the social-physique anxiety scale in five European nations. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 17(6), 703-719. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00615.x
• Hart, E. A., Leary, M. R., & Rejeski, W. J. (1989). Tie measurement of social-physique anxiety. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 94-104. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.11.1.94
• Herring, M. P., Gordon, B. R., McDowell, C. P., Quinn, L. M., & Lyons, M. (2021). Physical activity and analogue anxiety disorder symptoms and status: Mediating influence of social-physique anxiety. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, 511-516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.163
• Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 58-65. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2298
• Kowalski, N. P., Crocker, P. R., & Kowalski, K. C. (2001). Physical self and physical activity relationships in college women: Does social physique anxiety moderate effects?. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72(1), 55-62.
• Kling, K. C., Hyde, J. S., Showers, C. J., & Buswell, B. N. (1999). Gender differences in self-esteem: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 125(4), 470-500. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.125.4.470
• Leary, M. R., Schreindorfer, L. S., & Haupt, A. L. (1995). The role of low self-esteem in emotional and behavioral problems: Why is low self-esteem dysfunctional?. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 14(3), 297-314. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1995.14.3.297
• Legrand, F., Silete, G., & Schiffler, F. (2020). Internalized media-promoted body ideals only marginally moderate the effects of exercise on self-esteem, body image satisfaction, and physical self-perceptions. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 91(4), 713-719. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1706713
• Liu, M., Wu, L., & Ming, Q. (2015). How does physical activity intervention improve self-esteem and self-concept in children and adolescents? Evidence from a meta-analysis. PloS one, 10(8), e0134804. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0134804
• Ludwig, K., & Rauch, W. A. (2018). Associations between physical activity, positive affect, and self-regulation during preschoolers' everyday lives. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 15, 63-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2018.07.002
• Maher, J. P., Pincus, A. L., Ram, N., & Conroy, D. E. (2015). Daily physical activity and life satisfaction across adulthood. Developmental Psychology, 51(10), 1407-1419. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/dev0000037
• Marsh, H. W., Hau, K. T., & Wen, Z. (2004). In search of golden rules: Comment on hypothesis-testing approaches to setting cutoff values for fit indexes and dangers in overgeneralizing Hu and Bentler's (1999) findings. Structural Equation Modeling, 11(3), 320-341. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15328007sem1103_2
• McAuley, E., Elavsky, S., Motl, R. W., Konopack, J. F., Hu, L., & Marquez, D. X. (2005). Physical activity, self-efficacy, and self-esteem: Longitudinal relationships in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 60(5), 268-275. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/60.5.P268
• McPhie, M. L., & Rawana, J. S. (2012). Unravelling the relation between physical activity, self-esteem and depressive symptoms among early and late adolescents: A mediation analysis. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 5(1), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2012.03.003
• Meyer, S., Weidmann, R., & Grob, A. (2021). The mirror's curse: Weight perceptions mediate the link between physical activity and life satisfaction among 727,865 teens in 44 countries. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 10(1), 48-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.01.002
• Mülazımoğlu-Ballı, Ö. & Aşçı, F. H. (2006). Reliability and validity of “social-physique anxiety scale”. Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 17(1), 11-19.
• Niven, A., Fawkner, S., Knowles, A. M., Henretty, J., & Stephenson, C. (2009). Social physique anxiety and physical activity in early adolescent girls: The influence of maturation and physical activity motives. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27(3), 299-305. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410802578164
• Nunnally, J.C., Bernstein, I.H. (1978). Psychometric theory. New York, McGraw-Hill.
• O'Brien, N., Lawlor, M., Chambers, F., Breslin, G., & O'Brien, W. (2020). Levels of well-being, resilience, and physical activity amongst Irish pre-service teachers: A baseline study. Irish Educational Studies, 39(3), 389-406. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2019.1697948
• Orth, U., Robins, R. W., & Widaman, K. F. (2012). Life-span development of self-esteem and its effects on important life outcomes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(6), 1271–1288. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025558
• Pacewicz, C. E., Hill, C. R., Karlinsky, A., & Samendinger, S. (2023). Testing Measurement Invariance of the 7-item Social-physique anxiety Scale. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 27(4), 293-304. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2023.2173527
• Pedersen, E. S. L., Mortensen, L., Brage, S., Bjerregaard, A., & Aadahl, M. (2018). Criterion validity of the physical activity scale (PAS2) in Danish adults. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 46(7), 726-734. https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494817738470
• Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2001). Gender differences in self-concept and psychological well-being in old age: A meta-analysis. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 56(4), 195-213. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/56.4.p195
• Portman, R. M., Bradbury, J., & Lewis, K. (2018). Social physique anxiety and physical activity behaviour of male and female exercisers. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(2), 257-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2017.1417485
• Puetz, T. W., O'Connor, P. J., & Dishman, R. K. (2006). Effects of chronic exercise on feelings of energy and fatigue: A quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 866–876. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.866
• Randall, K., Ford, T. G., Kwon, K. A., Sisson, S. S., Bice, M. R., Dinkel, D., & Tsotsoros, J. (2021). Physical activity, physical well-being, and psychological well-being: Associations with life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic among early childhood educators. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(18), 9430. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189430
• Reed, J., & Buck, S. (2009). The effect of regular aerobic exercise on positive-activated affect: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10(6), 581-594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2009.05.009
• Robins, R. W., Trzesniewski, K. H., Tracy, J. L., Gosling, S. D., & Potter, J. (2002). Global self-esteem across the life span. Psychology and Aging, 17(3), 423–434. https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.17.3.423
• Rosenberg, M., Schooler, C., Schoenbach, C., & Rosenberg, F. (1995). Global self-esteem and specific self-esteem: Different concepts, different outcomes. American Sociological Review, 60(1), 141-156. https://doi.org/10.2307/2096350
• Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Sabiston, C. M., Pila, E., Pinsonnault-Bilodeau, G., & Cox, A. E. (2014). Social-physique anxiety experiences in physical activity: A comprehensive synthesis of research studies focused on measurement, theory, and predictors and outcomes. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7(1), 158-183. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2014.904392
• Santino, N., Larocca, V., Hitzig, S. L., Guilcher, S. J., Craven, B. C., & Bassett-Gunter, R. L. (2022). Physical activity and life satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury: Exploring loneliness as a possible mediator. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 45(2), 173-179. https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2020.1754651
• Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P. B., Silva, E. S., ... & Stubbs, B. (2018). Physical activity and incident depression: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(7), 631-648. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17111194
• Steptoe, A. S., & Butler, N. (1996). Sports participation and emotional wellbeing in adolescents. The Lancet, 347(9018), 1789-1792. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(96)91616-5
• Stone, A. A., Schwartz, J. E., Broderick, J. E., & Deaton, A. (2010). A snapshot of the age distribution of psychological well-being in the United States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(22), 9985-9990. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1003744107
• Tiggemann, M. (2004). Body image across the adult life span: Stability and change. Body Image, 1(1), 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1740-1445(03)00002-0
• Tremblay, M. S., Inman, J. W., & Willms, J. D. (2000). The relationship between physical activity, self-esteem, and academic achievement in 12-year-old children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 12(3), 312-323. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.12.3.312
• Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2003). Stability of self-esteem across the life span. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(1), 205-220. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.1.205
• Troiano, R. P., Berrigan, D., Dodd, K. W., Masse, L. C., Tilert, T., & McDowell, M. (2008). Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40(1), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31815a51b3
• Ürün, Ö. D., & Öztürk, C. Ş. (2020). The relationships between social appearance anxiety and social anxiety, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in adults. Journal of Adnan Menderes University Health Sciences Faculty, 4(1), 37-45. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2021.375.22
• Vandenberg, R. J., & Lance, C. E. (2000). A review and synthesis of the measurement invariance literature: Suggestions, practices, and recommendations for organizational research. Organizational Research Methods, 3(1), 4-70. https://doi.org/10.1177/109442810031002
• WHO. (1997). Programme on mental health: WHOQOL user manual - measuring quality of life. World Health Organization.
• Zamani Sani, S. H. Z., Fathirezaie, Z., Brand, S., Pühse, U., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., Gerber, M., & Talepasand, S. (2016). Physical activity and self-esteem: testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 2617-2625. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S116811
• Zartaloudi, A., Christopoulos, D., Kelesi, M., Govina, O., Mantzorou, M., Adamakidou, T., ... & Vlachou, E. (2023). Body image, social-physique anxiety levels and self-esteem among adults participating in physical activity programs. Diseases, 11(2), 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11020066
• Zayed, K. N., Ahmed, M. D., Van Niekerk, R. L., & Ho, W. K. Y. (2018). The mediating role of exercise behaviour on satisfaction with life, mental well-being, and BMI among university employees. Cogent Psychology, 5(1), 1430716. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2018.1430716
• Zhou, G. Y., Yang, B., Li, H., Feng, Q. S., & Chen, W. Y. (2023). The influence of physical exercise on college students’ life satisfaction: The chain mediating role of self-control and psychological distress. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1071615. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1071615