The correlation between levels of physical activity, academic performance and self-esteem in Grade 4 children in a South African private school

Abstract

The study of self-esteem has spanned more than a century, with theorists approaching it from many and varied standpoints. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity, self-esteem and academic achievement in grade 4 children at a private school in South Africa. A correlational research design was used to investigate the relationships between the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale, 2nd Edition, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, and Academic Achievement. The results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between self-esteem and academic achievement (r = 0.420). Correlations were noted between levels of physical activity and physical self-concept (r = 0.486) and between academic achievement and intellectual and school self-concept (r = 0.562). Future research beyond merely correlational analysis would provide more insight into the nature of the relationships.