Effects of physical exercise on self-concept and well-being

In 2 field experiments with middle-aged adults the effects of exercise on s elf-concept and well-being were investigated. In both experiments participa nts were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. In Exp eriment 1 a total of 24 female and male participants took part in an exerci se program for six months. Physical self-concept, self-esteem, and subjecti ve well-being mere assessed before and after the 6 month program. Compared with a wait-list control group (13 participants) exercisers improved signif icantly, in physical self-concept and decreased in psychosomatic complaints . In Experiment 2, 57 female and male adults participated in exercise progr ams for six months. Placebo attention groups mere the control groups. The p lacebo attention group members (36) took part either in relaxation- or back -training. Self-concept and well-being measures were assessed three times. before and after the 6 month program (running or mixed-sports program), and 6 months after the program's completion. The Exercise and Self-Esteem Mode l (EXSEM) of Sonstroem, Harlow and Josephs (1994) could be partially replic ated. In addition, the main effects of time showed that not only exercise b ut also other kinds of intervention were able to influence the dependent va riables. Motor performance tests likewise indicated that participants of al l groups improved over time. The results point to the fact that exercise is one, but not the only strategy to improve mental health.