Physical Activity and Physical Self-Concept in Adolescence: A Comparison of Girls at the Extremes of the Biological Maturation Continuum

This study examined differences in physical activity and physical self-concept between the least and most biologically mature female adolescents within chronological age and academic year groups. A total of 252 British female adolescents (M age = 12.9 years; SD = 0.7) in Years 7-9 completed self-report measures to assess physical activity and physical self-concept. Percentage of predicted adult (mature) stature served as the index of biological maturation. Univariate analyses of covariance, controlling for decimal age, revealed that the least mature girls generally held higher perceptions of physical self-concept but were no more, or less, active than the most mature girls. A subsequent meta-analysis suggested, however, that across age and year groups the least mature girls were more active than the most mature girls. (Contains 4 tables.)