ERIC Number: EJ1054077
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Apr
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0272-4316
EISSN: N/A
The Relationship of Physical Fitness, Self-Beliefs, and Social Support to the Academic Performance of Middle School Boys and Girls
Srikanth, Sudhish; Petrie, Trent A.; Greenleaf, Christy; Martin, Scott B.
Journal of Early Adolescence, v35 n3 p353-377 Apr 2015
We examined the influence of physical and psychosocial variables on math and reading achievement test scores. Between 1 and 5 months prior to taking annual standardized reading and math tests, a sample of (N = 1,211) sixth through eight graders (53.7% girls; 57.2% White) self-reported levels of physical activity, academic self-beliefs, general self-esteem, and social support and participated in objective testing to obtain measures of body composition (body mass index [BMI]) and cardiorespiratory fitness. Socioeconomic status (SES) and state-based reading and math achievement test scores were provided by the school district. Regression analyses revealed that SES, academic self-beliefs, and cardiorespiratory fitness were the consistent predictors of the students' performance in reading and math; perceived social support from family and friends and higher levels of self-esteem were related to higher reading scores for the boys only. Our findings support schools re-examining policies that have limited students' involvement in physical education classes.
Descriptors: Physical Fitness, Self Concept, Social Support Groups, Academic Achievement, Middle School Students, Mathematics Achievement, Reading Achievement, Scores, Standardized Tests, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Physical Activity Level, Academic Ability, Self Esteem, Body Composition, Physical Health, Socioeconomic Status, Regression (Statistics), Predictor Variables, Family Influence, Peer Influence, Gender Differences
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 7; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Self Description Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A