Perceived Body Image and Its Relationship with the Formation of Psychological Attitudes Toward Physical Activity as a Social Experience

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the nature of the relationship between perceived body image and its impact on guiding secondary school adolescents toward participating in specific physical activities versus complete physical inactivity. Consequently, the formation of psychological attitudes toward physical activity in adolescents is contingent upon the psychological disturbances experienced due to emergent physiological changes. Adolescents aspire to perceive their growth as satisfying society's acceptable standards; thus, anxiety over body shape constitutes a risk factor leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and impaired self-evaluation. Motivation remains a paramount topic for educators, as effective learning requires stimulation that prompts appropriate responses. Attitudes can be viewed as social motivators predisposing behavior, where positive attitudes toward physical activity serve as driving forces toward regular practice. An in-depth field investigation revealed statistically significant relationships between dimensions of psychological attitudes and body image in determining students' (male and female) physical activity preferences.