The importance of body perception in the relationship between physical activity and self-esteem in adolescents

Adolescence is a volatile period of development associated with significant challenges to self-esteem and mental health. A healthy body perception appears protective over violations to mental health, presenting a need to identify suitable interventions. As physical activity represents one promising modality, here we propose a somatic-based model describing how physical activity can affect self-esteem via body perceptions. To test this model, 193 (Mage = 12.13 ± 1.00, 47% female) adolescents answered questionnaires regarding perceived barriers to physical activity, physical activity participation, self-reported body perception (internally and externally oriented), and self-esteem. Using structural equation modelling, results revealed the physical activity barrier convenience to be negatively associated with physical activity (𝛽 = −.21, p = .014), which in turn was associated with both facets of body perception (internal: 𝛽 = .21, p = .003, external: 𝛽 = .15, p = .006). Finally, both facets of self-reported body perception were related to self-esteem (Internal: β = .30, p = .015, External: β = .70, p < .001), also mediating the relationship between physical activity and self-esteem. Together these results underline the importance of physical activity in the promotion of healthy body perceptions and consequently self-esteem in adolescence. Findings are discussed considering the clinical relevance of the proposed model outlining potential implications for future research.