The Effects of Weight Training on Self-Esteem

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of weight training on self-esteem. The investigator used a pretest-posttest randomized group design, using Fox' Physical Self-Perception Profile, in two high schools. The experimental group consisted of members of beginning weight training classes offered as part of the physical education curriculum. The control group was comprised of students in regular health classes. The investigation was conducted over a period of five weeks with three sessions per week for the experimental group. The weight training sessions lasted approximately 40 minutes and were supervised by district physical education teachers. Using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), results in two of the five subscales demonstrated that the experimental group improved significantly more than the control. In the other three subscales, the experimental group had greater improvement but no statistical significance was evident.