Relationship between physical self-concept and alcohol and tobacco use behaviours in adolescents

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of gender, alcohol use, smoking behaviour and the practice of sport on physical self-concept among Spanish students of physical education. A total of 1.008 students [M age = 15.94, SD = 89) participated in the study, and completed the physical self-concept questionnaire (PSQ). The results revealed that physical self-concept was related to gender, alcohol use, smoking behaviour and the practice of sport. The best perception of body image was found in women who did not smoke and participants (male and female) who did not do sport. On the other hand, being male and practicing sport predicted general physical self-concept. This study shows the relevance of the belief that smoking is associated with good body image and that sport is practiced to improve physical appearance.