Self-presentation concerns and physical activity in three-generation families

We examined the relationship between social physique anxiety (SPA) and physical activity (PA) in 3-generation families, and also looked at gender differences related to SPA and PA. Self-presentation concerns as related to PA were examined by means of SPA in a sample of 811 participants from 218 families and spanning 3 generations. Participants assessed their SPA and recorded their PA over 1 week. Gender differences in SPA appeared across 3 generations such that females had higher SPA levels than did males. Significant correlations appeared between girls and mothers, boys and fathers, husbands and wives, and fathers and their fathers. Nevertheless, PA level was found not to be related to SPA. As correlations were found between parents and their children across 3 generations, changing behavior should be targeted both in schools and in the community.