Scheduled for Research Consortium Psychology and Sociocultural Poster Session, Friday, April 15, 2005, 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


The Impact of Leisure Time Physical Activities on Social Physique Anxiety and Body Image of Turkish Orphan Girls (Psychology)

Dilsad Mirzeoglu1, Muberra Celebi1, Selhan Ozbey Alkurt1 and Hülya Ahcı2, (1)Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey, (2)Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey

Exercise not only improves health and promotes good health maintenance, but also may increase emotional stability and self-esteem (Branch, 2004). In modern society, individuals constantly pass judgments on their own body and physical competence as well as that of others. Furthermore, regular exercise improves the overall quality of life (Simpson, 2001). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 15 weeks leisure time physical activities on social physique anxiety and body image of Turkish girls who had been living in the orphanage in Bolu- Turkey. Participants for this study were 21 Orphan girls at orphanage in Bolu. Participants (13-18 age) attended in leisure time physical activities including volleyball, basketball, badminton, dance and outdoor activities (wall climbing, rope jumping, cycling etc.) for two hours a day, 2 days per week for 15 weeks. Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) and Berscheid, Wlaster and Bohrnstedt Body Image Questionnaire were applied before and after the 15 weeks period to determine their perception of body image. The observation methods were also used to determine the current life standards and their orphanage circumstances of the participants. For analysis of data, mean, percentage, frequency and repeated measure ANOVA techniques were used. The results of repeated measure analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in body image satisfaction (F(1,20)=.013; p>.01) and social physique anxiety (F(1,20)=2.50; p>.01) after 15 weeks period. The mean and standard deviation of anxiety in pre-test were 33.19±7.20, while the mean and standard deviation of anxiety in post-test were 35.80±6.74. The result of this study showed that leisure time physical activities had no effects on two important body concerns of females. There was no significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores on the perception of body image. The reason could be the exaggerated self esteem of the subjects who had been having difficulty in their orphanage lives. Sports is the best way to help girls grown up stronger, both mentally and physically. Participation in sports teaches us not just how to win, but also how to lose. Girls would take greater risks and reach greater goals if they didn't fear failure. Sports can also teach girls how to work with others and set goals. This may help them cope with the difficulties in their life. Therefore, governments of developing countries like Turkey should promote, encourage and motivate the development of physical activity, fitness and sports participation for all.


Keyword(s): physical activity, wellness/disease prevention

Back to the 2005 AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition