Association between physical activity level, self-concept and life satisfaction in Peruvian basic education students

Cajas-Bravo V.T.; Riquez Livia D.P.; Flores-Mamani E.; Vargas Palomino T.A.; Almonte Andrade C.P.; Cjahua Huanachi Z.S.; Malpica Chihua C.O.; Ruiz Nizama J.L.; Romero-Nuñez L.I.; Velásquez Orellana M.; Dávila-Morán R.C. · Retos (2025) · DOI: 10.47197/retos.v65.113121

Resumen

Introduction: It was found that children's sedentary lifestyle had increased globally, which had a negative impact on the physical and mental health of children. In Callao (Peru) a worrying growth in sedentary lifestyle and obesity was evident. Objective: To evaluate the levels of physical activity, self-concept and satisfaction with life in primary school students, determining the existing relationships between these variables. Methodology: The study was quantitative, descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional, in 162 schoolchildren from 3rd to 6th grade. Validated questionnaires were administered to measure physical activity, self-concept in five dimensions and satisfaction with life, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Pearson correlations. Results: It was identified that 44.4% of the participants were moderately active, with no significant differences by sex. The family dimension of self-concept received the highest scores, while physical self-concept showed moderate levels. Women excelled in the academic, social and family dimensions, and men in the emotional and physical dimensions. Furthermore, 54.3% of schoolchildren reported high satisfaction with life. Discussion: The results coincide with previous studies that showed a positive relationship between physical activity, self-concept and satisfaction with life, especially with regard to physical self-concept. Conclusions: The promotion of educational and physical activity programs, along with the strengthening of self-concept, is fundamental for the comprehensive well-being of schoolchildren.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano; Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán; Universidad Nacional del Callao; Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle