The Effect of Physical Activity on Body Image, Perceived Competence, and Anger Management among High School Students in Tehran

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of physical activity on the factors of body image, perceived competence, and anger management among high school students in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This research is applied in its aim and descriptive-correlational in nature, conducted in the field with active participation from the subjects. The statistical population of this study comprised all high school students in Tehran. A sample of 384 high school students in Tehran was selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data collection was carried out using four standardized questionnaires: the Sharkey Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Body Image Questionnaire (Marsh, 1994), the Perceived Competence Scale (Jinks & Morgan, 1999), and the Anger Management Questionnaire (Hajati et al., 2016). The face and content validity of the questionnaires were confirmed by the supervising professor, and the reliability of the questionnaires was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients, which were 0.85, 0.88, 0.91, and 0.87 for the physical activity, body image, perceived competence, and anger management questionnaires, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and structural equations modeling with PLS and SPSS software.

Findings: The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between physical activity and body image among high school students in Tehran. Additionally, the findings confirmed a positive and significant relationship between physical activity and perceived competence among these students. Furthermore, the results showed a positive and significant relationship between physical activity and anger management among high school students in Tehran.

Conclusion:  The study concludes that physical activity positively influences body image, perceived competence, and anger management among high school students in Tehran.