Regular Exercise and Emotional Resilience is Associated with Improved Body Image
Authors
O'Donoghue, Thomas
Issue Date
2016
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to assess the role physical activity plays in resilience, self-esteem and body image. Methods: Participants (N = 122) were drawn from third level institutions and the general public and completed measures of self-esteem, resilience, physical activity and body esteem. Results: It was found that those who engage in regular physical activity and those who do not, differed significantly on measures of body image. There was a significant positive correlation between resilience and total physical activity and a significant negative correlation between physical activity at work and body image. It was also found that body image was a significant predictor of self-esteem. Finally it was found that resilience influenced the relationship between physical activity and body image. Conclusion: The current study has provided a novel exploration of physical activity, resilience, self-esteem and body image in an Irish sample. Further research may help build on these findings. Author keywords: Resilience, Self Esteem, Physical Activity, Body Image, Mental Health