How Does Physical Activity Affect the Self-Esteem and Performance of Young Adults?
Group members:
Hanna Pettersson 11045825
Andrea Simal 11061960
Isabella Stojkovski 11014318
Teacher:
Dan Mercea
Semester 1, Term 2
2011
Research Paper – Introduction to Research Skills
08
Herbst
How does physical activity affect the self-esteem and performance of young adults?
Executive Summary
The main research question of this report is:
How does physical activity affect self-image and performance of young adults?
To be able to answer this question we have divided it into three parts, consisting of the effects of physical activity on self-image, academic performance and a last part on cognitive processes in connection with these two. The reason for the choice of the topic is mostly personal interest since we are students who want to perform well and we are interested in other factors that can improve our results other than simply studying. By doing research, which almost exclusively consisted of desk research, we have retrieved information to answer our question. Many studies have been conducted on the connection between academic performance and physical activity. In most cases, a positive effect can be observed as many students who do exercise have better results than students who do not. However, some studies have also shown indifference in performance level between physically active and inactive individuals, but in very few cases exercise has had a negative effect. Studies also show that physical activity improves a person’s ability to concentrate, which definitely is an important factor for successful results.
Most experts agree on that physical activity also affects the self-image of a person positively, as it improves the self-esteem, first of all just from the fact that exercise gives an individual a positive feeling about himself. The expectancies that are associated with physical activity are often enough to increase the performer’s rating of the self and can also help to achieve social status. However, physical
Hanna Pettersson 11045825
Andrea Simal 11061960
Isabella Stojkovski 11014318
Teacher:
Dan Mercea
Semester 1, Term 2
2011
Research Paper – Introduction to Research Skills
08
Herbst
How does physical activity affect the self-esteem and performance of young adults?
Executive Summary
The main research question of this report is:
How does physical activity affect self-image and performance of young adults?
To be able to answer this question we have divided it into three parts, consisting of the effects of physical activity on self-image, academic performance and a last part on cognitive processes in connection with these two. The reason for the choice of the topic is mostly personal interest since we are students who want to perform well and we are interested in other factors that can improve our results other than simply studying. By doing research, which almost exclusively consisted of desk research, we have retrieved information to answer our question. Many studies have been conducted on the connection between academic performance and physical activity. In most cases, a positive effect can be observed as many students who do exercise have better results than students who do not. However, some studies have also shown indifference in performance level between physically active and inactive individuals, but in very few cases exercise has had a negative effect. Studies also show that physical activity improves a person’s ability to concentrate, which definitely is an important factor for successful results.
Most experts agree on that physical activity also affects the self-image of a person positively, as it improves the self-esteem, first of all just from the fact that exercise gives an individual a positive feeling about himself. The expectancies that are associated with physical activity are often enough to increase the performer’s rating of the self and can also help to achieve social status. However, physical
References: Bennemann, J. et al. (2004). Signale des Körpers Richtig Deuten. Ein Symptomführer von A-Z. (1st edition). München: ADAC. Hellmich, H. (2010, April 14). Study: Physical activity can boost student performance. Retrieved January 10, 2012 from the USA TODAY Web site: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-04-14-letsmoveinschool15_ST_N.htm. Howe, C Landers, D. M. & Arent, S. M. (2001). Physical Activity and Mental Health. In R. N. Singer, H. A. Hausenblas & C. M. Janelle (Eds.), Handbook of Sport Psychology (pp. 756-757). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. McGovern, MK. (2005, spring). The effects of Exersice on the Brain. Retrieved January 12, 2012 from the serendip Web site: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html. Neurogenesis (n.d.) Retrieved on January 12, 2012 from the Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenesis Personal interview with student counsellor Mr Brijer, December 14, 2011 Synaptic Plasticity (n.d.) Retrieved on January 12, 2012, from the Wikipedia Web site: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009, March 31). Physical Activity May Strengthen Children 's Ability To Pay Attention. Retrieved January 10, 2012 from the Science Daily Web site: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331183800.htm.