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Abstract: This longitudinal study investigated the influence of maturation on physical self-perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls (N =150; mean age=12.79±0.31). Physical characteristics were measured and participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile and the Pubertal Development Scale on two occasions 12 months apart. The results demonstrated a decrease in overall physical activity levels over 12 months which was not influenced by maturational status or physical characteristics. Additional analysis indicated that physical self-perceptions partially accounted for the explained variance in physical activity change, with physical condition being an important individual predictor of physical activity. Further analysis indicated that body mass was an important individual predictor of changes in perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self-worth. At this age maturation has a limited influence on the physical activity behaviours of early adolescent girls and although the variance in physical activity was partly accounted for by physical self-perceptions, this was a relatively small contribution and other factors related to this drop in physical activity need to be considered longitudinally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Research shows a decline in participation in physical activity across the teenage years. It is important, therefore, to examine factors that might influence adolescent girl''s likelihood of being physically active. This study used contemporary theoretical perspectives from psychology to assess a comprehensive profile of motivational and self-perception variables in 11–16 year old English girls (n=516). A cross-sectional design was employed. Cluster analysis was conducted to (a) map cluster profiles and (b) test whether clusters differed in physical self-worth, global self-esteem, and physical activity. Results revealed a five-cluster solution depicting 40% of the sample as moderately motivated, 30% lowly motivated in two clusters, and 30% highly motivated, also in two clusters. However, differences between clusters on physical activity were quite small. Results show potential areas for intervention to enhance the motivation of adolescent girls for physical activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]