Body image, perceived physical ability,and motor performance in nonoverweight and overweight Italian children

Summary.—The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body image, physical self-efficacy and motor abilities in obese (n = 105, 52 boys and 53 girls) and non-obese (n = 105, 53 boys and 52 girls) children, ranging in age from 8 to 10 years and attending elementary schools in southeastern Italy. Body image was measured through Collins’ Child Figure Drawings, while self-efficacy was assessed by the Physical Self-Efficacy Scale for Children. Age-appropriate field-based tests of standing long jump, 1 Kg medicine ball throw, basketball throw, 10m and 20m sprint from a standing position were also administered to gauge motor abilities. From 2 (group) × 2 (sex) × 3 (age) univariate analysis of variance, significant differences emerged by group with obese children reporting larger body dissatisfaction scores, lower self-efficacy scores, and poorer performances on weight-bearing tasks than their non-obese peers. Significant differences also emerged by sex with boys showing higher physical self-efficacy scores and better performance in all motor tests. A positive correlation was shown between body mass index and body dissatisfaction. Findings provided support to the importance of assessing physical fitness, body dissatisfaction, and physical self-efficacy of obese children to help teachers plan effective physical activity programs