The relationship between body image, self-image and physical activity.

Abstract

An individual's body image--how contented he is with his body--has a certain connection with the self-image, how the individual experiences and evaluates himself. A positive self-image is considered to be a sign of good mental health. Correlation studies, investigations of the effect of physical training programmes, and comparisons between physically active and passive groups suggest that physical activity can give the individual a more positive attitude to his own body and his own self-image, although not all investigations have given uniform results.