Actividad física y autoconcepto, físico y general, a lo largo de la edad adulta1

The purpose of this study consists in determining differences in self-concept and physical self-perceptions, as well as the relationship between these differences and physical activity and gender at three times during adulthood. A total number of 912 people (350 men, 560 women) between the ages of 23 and 64 (M = 45.41; SD = 13.41) participated in the study. The sample group was divided into three age ranges: 23-34; 35-49; and 50-64. The participants classified themselves as either active or non-active. Self-concept was measured by the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) made up of the following scales: physical ability, physical condition, physical attractiveness, physical strength, general physical self-concept and general self-concept. The results reveal that: a. various dimensions of self-concept decreased as age increased in all three groups studied; b. This decrease is less pronounced in females than in males; c. a subjective perception of oneself as an active person is positively associated with physical self-concept; d. the decrease in self-concept associated with age affects active people less than their non-active counterparts. These data provide new information for both research and the personal and physical education of adults.