ABSTRACT
Self-esteem is a topic that crops up in general conversations by parents, teachers, workers, managers and others. It is often thought of as a key part of one’s mental health and well-being. There is an assumption that physical activity is a positive influence on self-esteem. In this chapter, we define self-esteem and related self-perceptions, including physical self-worth; outline how self-esteem might be an antecedent as well as an outcome of physical activity; and comment on the different measures of self-esteem and related constructs. We appraise the evidence linking self-esteem and physical self-worth to involvement in physical activity for young people, adults and older adults. There is evidence that physical activity is associated with elevated levels of self-esteem and physical self-worth, but the area is complex and still in need of development.
