Self-esteem in girls: does physical education make a difference
Date
2002
Authors
Howe, Lori
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2002
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a girls' physical
education class can contribute to the development of self-esteem. At a rural high school
in southern Alberta, students enrolled in two grade ten physical education classes for girls
in the first semester were selected as participants in the study. During the semester, which
ran from September to January, a variety of units were taught involving both individual
and teamwork activities. The One-Group Pretest-Posttest Model was used. The girls were
asked to complete the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI), which provided total
and subscale self-esteem scores. The pretest was administered September 17,2001, and
the posttest January 15,2002. After both tests were completed, the mean scores were
compared using a Paired (-test. The results revealed no significant difference between the
pretest and posttest, in either the subscales or total scores for self-esteem for either class.
Consequently, participation in a physical education class over a single semester was not
shown to have had an impact on the self-esteem of these girls. Nevertheless, physical
education instructors are cautioned to create environments designed to encourage rather
than undermine the development of students' positive self-esteem.
Description
vi, 54 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Physical education and training -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Physical education and training -- Psychological aspects , Self-esteem in women