Physical Activity and Self-Perceptions among Children and Adolescents

Physical activity has the potential to enhance children’s and adolescents’ mental health and overall well-being (Smith & Biddle, 2008; Weiss, 2004). One important aspect of well-being is positive self-perceptions, or favorable beliefs about oneself and one’s abilities (Horn, 2004). Positive selfperceptions are associated with adaptive cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes, such as enjoyment, self-determined motivation, and physical activity (Crocker, Kowalski, & Hadd, 2008). It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms for improving self-perceptions and physical activity levels because this knowledge can help researchers and practitioners envision interventions to simultaneously promote both outcomes among youth.