Physical self-efficacy is associated to body mass index in schoolchildren [Autoeficácia física associada ao índice de massa corporal em crianças em idade escolar]

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical self-efficacy and body mass index in a large sample of schoolchildren. Methods The Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children was administered to 1560 children (50.4% boys; 8–12 years) from three different countries. Weight and height were also recorded to obtain the body mass index. Results In agreement with the literature, the boys reported greater perceived physical self-efficacy than girls. Moreover, the number of boys who are obese is double that of girls, while the number of boys who are underweight is half that found in girls. In the linear regression model, the increase in body mass index was negatively related to the physical self-efficacy score, differently for boys and girls. Furthermore, age and nationality also were predictors of low physical self-efficacy only for girls. Conclusion The results of this study reinforce the importance of psychological aspect of obesity, as the perceived physical self-efficacy and body mass index were negatively associated in a sample of schoolchildren for boys and girls.