A longitudinal analysis of reciprocal relationships between actual and perceived motor competencies and physical self-concept in primary-school age children

Physical self-concept (PSC) and motor competencies are important factors in view of the development of a physically active lifestyle. There are research gaps regarding longitudinal studies of these relationships. This article presents findings of a longitudinal study (n = 200; 58% girls, M = 8.84 +/- 0.63 years) at three primary schools. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between actual motor competencies (AMC) and perceived motor competencies (PMC) and PSC. Therefore, manifest path models in cross-lagged design were performed. Results show that correlations between PMC and AMC increased over time and were stronger in object control than in locomotor. Effects of AMC on PSC were more strongly mediated by PMC in object control than in locomotor. To promote physical activity, developing strategies should be aimed at the acquisition of AMC, particularly in object control, and PMC, especially in locomotor, during childhood.

Automated summary

Physical self-concept and motor competencies are important for the development of a physically active lifestyle. This study found that the relationship between perceived motor competencies and actual motor competencies strengthened over time, particularly in object control. The impact of actual motor competencies on physical self-concept was more strongly mediated by perceived motor competencies in object control compared to locomotor. Therefore, strategies for promoting physical activity should focus on the development of motor competencies, especially in object control, and perceived motor competencies during childhood.