Perceived parental support toward physical activity positively predicts physical self-concept in young adolescents

Previous research that has examined the association between parental physical activity behaviour and physical self-concept in children and adolescents has found inconsistent relationships. This study examined whether perceived parental physical activity practice contributed to the explanation of physical self-concept in adolescents based on the anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness status of the adolescent participants. One thousand and nineteen compulsory education students participated in the study (M = 14.14 years). Beyond the influence of gender, age, body mass index, and physical fitness status, perceived past parental physical activity levels, general support and guiding support explained physical activity self-concept, perceived sport competence and resistance. It is concluded that instrumental and guiding support are positively related to adolescents' physical self-concept. A higher physical self-concept could increase the practice of physical activity and decrease its early dropout at these ages.