Background/Purpose: The purpose of this cross-cultural study was used the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) to examine differences in physical self-perception based on gender and country of origin among physically active and physically inactive college students from the U.S., Taiwan, and China. The present research was designed in hopes of providing college students from the three cultural setting, current and future physical educators, and school administrators information that could develop a more positive experience for being physical active.
Method: A total of 1,200 participants, 400 from each country (The U.S., Taiwan, and China), 600 men, 600 women, 600 active, and 600 inactive participants were identified. College students from the three selected countries were grouped as physically active or physically inactive based on self-reported activity levels identified on a demographic questionnaire. Three different versions of the PSPP (English version, traditional Chinese version, and simplified Chinese version) were used for data collection.
Analysis/Results: A 2 x 2 x 3 MANOVA was used to test the hypotheses followed by univariate factorial ANOVAs and simple effect analyses. Statistically significant differences for main effects and interactions were found. Significant three-way interactions (p < .003) were found on the Sport Competence and Physical Condition subscales; significant two-way interactions (p < .01) were found on the Body Attractiveness and Physical Self-Worth subscales; main effects were found on the Physical Strength subscale. Individuals who participated in physical activity on a regular basis had higher Physical Self-Perception (PSP) scores; American students had higher PSP than Taiwanese and Chinese students; men had higher PSP than women.
Conclusions: The participation in habitual physical activity is confirmed as a strong indicator of physical self-perception. Individuals wanting to establish a healthy lifestyle are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity to improve overall physical and psychological well-being. Physical activity provides opportunities for individuals to learn skills, as well as to enhance physical self-perception. Future researchers should investigate how regular exercise contributes to a higher physical self-perception.