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

Authors

  • Verónica Tomasa Cajas-Bravo Hermilio Valdizan National University (Peru)
  • Digmer Pablo Riquez Livia Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education (Peru) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1513-8606
  • Emilio Flores-Mamani National University of Altiplano (Peru) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0317-6867
  • Teresa Angelica Vargas Palomino National University of Callao (UNAC)
  • Clara Patricia Almonte Andrade National University of Callao (Peru)
  • Zita Silvia Cjahua Huanachi National University of Callao (Peru)
  • Carmen Olga Malpica Chihua National University of Callao (Peru)
  • José Leonor Ruiz Nizama National University of Callao (Peru) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0444-244X
  • Liliana Ines Romero-Nunez Continental University (UC)
  • Mirelly Velasquez Orellana Continental University (UC)
  • Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán Continental University (UC) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3181-8801

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v65.113121

Keywords:

Multidimensional self-concept, primary school-children, physical activity level, satisfaction with child life, sedentary life-style and psychological well-being

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

  • Verónica Tomasa Cajas-Bravo, Hermilio Valdizan National University (Peru)

    Postdoctoral degree in Qualitative Research from the National University of Córdoba and postdoctoral degree in Diachronic and Synchronous Systems of Scientific Research from the Santo Tomas University of Colombia. PhD in Education, Master in Educational Management and Planning, Bachelor in Education and Economist from the Hermilio Valdizán National University. Specialist in Teacher Training and Public Policies and Public Management from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Guest professor at the graduate school of the National University of Callao in subjects of university teaching, formulation of public investment projects and thesis seminar. Associate professor - researcher at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Tourism. Director of University Research at UNHEVAL, professor at the UNHEVAL graduate school in the Thesis Seminar Workshop courses. Director and Editor of the scientific journal Investigación Valdizana of UNHEVAL, member of the editorial committee of the scientific health journal REPIS of UNHEVAL. Author of several publications in indexed journals: Investigación Valdizana and Comunic@cion. Author of the books: Dynamics of Social and Economics (2013). Trends in the Peruvian Economy (2014).

  • Digmer Pablo Riquez Livia, Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education (Peru)

    Doctor of Educational Sciences and Master in Educational Technology. Author of various publications on Physical Education for Secondary, Primary and Higher levels. He works as a teacher at the Professional School of Physical Education and Sports of the Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education, in addition to being a National Trainer for the Ministry of Education.

    With an outstanding career in the academic field, he has contributed to the development of innovative methodologies for teaching Physical Education, combining technology and pedagogy to optimize learning at different educational levels.

  • Emilio Flores-Mamani, National University of Altiplano (Peru)

    PhD in Science in the Administration Program from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and Master in Marketing and International Business from the Federico Villarreal National University. Specialist in research and teaching in the area of ​​marketing, with experience in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    Currently, he serves as Director of the Scientific Journal COMUNI@CCION and the Institute for Socioeconomic and Agrobiodiversity Research, where he leads projects aimed at the analysis and development of marketing in various contexts. His academic and research work focuses on the study of marketing and its impact in the socioeconomic sphere.

  • Teresa Angelica Vargas Palomino, National University of Callao (UNAC)

    Full-time University Professor at the National University of Callao, Peru. Degree in Nursing, Academic Degree of Doctor in Health Sciences, Academic Degree of Master in Health Administration; Specialist in Mental Health and Psychiatry. Knowledge of foreign languages: English, Portuguese. Areas of work Mental health, preventive-promotional areas, teaching and research.

  • Clara Patricia Almonte Andrade, National University of Callao (Peru)

    Bachelor's degree in Nursing - UNMSM.

    Master's degree in health management.

    Master's degree in hospital and health services management.

    Doctoral studies in health sciences - National University of Callao.

  • Zita Silvia Cjahua Huanachi, National University of Callao (Peru)

    Nurse at Victor Larco Herrera Hospital.

  • Carmen Olga Malpica Chihua, National University of Callao (Peru)

    Graduate in Nursing from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, with a second specialty in Mental Health from the Universidad Nacional del Callao. She has a solid academic background and experience in the health field, with a focus on comprehensive care and mental well-being.

  • José Leonor Ruiz Nizama, National University of Callao (Peru)

    PhD in Administration. Chemical Engineer. Senior Lecturer at the National University of Callao (UNAC).

  • Liliana Ines Romero-Nunez, Continental University (UC)

    Graduate in Administration and Master in Education with a specialization in University Teaching. Master in Neuropsychology from the Rey Juan Carlos University. Specialist in Human Resources, Marketing, Statistics and Mindfulness. Candidate for a PhD in Strategic Administration at the PUCP and student of a second degree in Psychology. She has scientific publications indexed in Scopus.

  • Mirelly Velasquez Orellana, Continental University (UC)

    Graduate in Administration with a mention in Industrial Management from the 'Rodolfo Loero Arismendi' University Institute of Technology and student of the Master's Degree in Education with a mention in University Teaching at the Universidad Continental.

  • Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán, Continental University (UC)

    Industrial engineer and master in quality management and human development, he has extensive experience that has allowed him to participate in various multidisciplinary research projects. In addition, he has published several articles in internationally indexed scientific journals. His ability to develop rigorous research, combined with his knowledge and experience in the field of industrial engineering, allows him to make significant contributions in the field of research. In his research work, he stands out for his ability to identify problems and opportunities for improvement, proposing innovative and effective solutions to optimize his performance. His commitment and dedication to each project, added to his ability to work in a team, make him a highly valued professional in the academic and business fields.

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Published

01-04-2025

Issue

Vol. 65 (2025)

Section

Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Verónica Tomasa Cajas-Bravo, Digmer Pablo Riquez Livia, Emilio Flores-Mamani, Teresa Angelica Vargas Palomino, Clara Patricia Almonte Andrade, Zita Silvia Cjahua Huanachi, Carmen Olga Malpica Chihua, José Leonor Ruiz Nizama, Liliana Ines Romero-Nuñez, Mirelly Velasquez Orellana, Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán

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How to Cite

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-Nunez, L. I., Velasquez Orellana, M., & Dávila-Morán, R. C. (2025). Association between physical activity level, self-concept and life satisfaction in Peruvian basic education students. Retos, 65, 995-1007. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v65.113121