Does Appearance Matter? Students' Perceived Body Size, Physical Appearance, and Attraction to Physical Activity at Recess.

Abstract

Background: Various psychosocial variables are critical predictors of students' recess experiences. It is still relatively unknown how self-perceptions of bullying and body size impact recess physical activity (PA) for certain groups of students. The purpose of this study was to examine group differences and relationships in levels of appearance-related victimization, physical self-perceptions, and attraction to PA at recess among various self-identified body-size and gender identity students.

Methods: Students in 3rd-5th grades (N = 787, 49.3% male, 56.1% regular body size, 46.4% 4th grade, 27.3% Hispanic) completed surveys that included demographics, one self-reported body size question, perceived victimization scale, physical appearance subscale of the Self-Perception Profile for Children, and the Children's Attraction to Physical Activity (CAPA) scale.

Results: Group difference analyses showed that gender nonconforming (p = 0.030, p < 0.001) and smaller body size students (p < 0.001, p = 0.001) had significantly lower perceptions of physical appearance and attraction to physical activity compared to their peers.

Implications for school health policy, practice, and equity: Students' gender identity and perceived body size are a meaningful focus of recess interventions.

Conclusions: Findings provide evidence that in addition to physical appearance perceptions, body size and gender may diminish students' attraction to PA.