Regular exercise improves the levels of self-efficacy, self-esteem and body awareness of young adults.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nRegular exercise habits provide social and psychological benefit as well as improving and ameliorating the physical health of individuals. This study was conducted to examine the effect of regularly exercising on self-efficacy, self-esteem and body awareness on healthy adults.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThree hundred and fifty two participants (141 females, 211 males) aged 20 to 40, who do regularly exercise at least two days a week for last 6 months (REG), and 350 sedentary individuals (212 females, 138 males; SG). Demographics of participants and the type, duration, and frequency of the exercise were recorded. Self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire) levels of the participants were assessed.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe mean age of REG was 23.34±3.67 years and SG was 22.66±2.67 years. It was found statistically significant differences in terms of self-efficacy, self-esteem and body awareness between groups and the results of participants who were doing exercise regularly were much better than sedentary ones (p<0.001).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nIn our study shows positive effects of regularly exercising on personal and psychological parameters. Exercise is a preferred method to increase self-efficacy, self-esteem and body awareness.