An investigation into influence of physical activity on self-esteem and body-image of female university students

Abstract

Physical activity is known to influence the total wellbeing of an organism. Although a lot of research exists, especially in the physiological area, there are hardly any studies on psychological aspects done in Namibia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence that physical activity has on self-esteem and body-image of first year female students at the University of Namibia. Random sampling allowed for 123 students (20) to be selected from 584 first years in four Faculties, viz., Education, Humanities, Medical and Health Sciences and Physical Science. A set of closed end questionnaires (General background, Body Self-esteem assessment and Body-image assessment scale) was administered to the sample group in one day. Skinfold measurements were taken to verify subjective answers with objective laboratory measures on the same day. The SPSS/PC programme was used to analyse the data. A combination of chi-square and descriptive data helped interpret the results. It showed that Physical Education did not have a significant influence on self-esteem levels (X2 =2. 32, p0. 05). The majority of the students were not satisfied with their present body-image (X2