A COMPARISON OF PERCEIVED PHYSICAL ABILITIES, ATTITUDE TOWARD PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SELECTED MEASURES OF PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND SELF-CONCEPT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAJORS AND NON-MAJORS

The purpose of the study was to compare self-perceived physical abilities, attitudes toward physical activities, selected measures of physical fitness, and self-concept of the following: (1) female physical education majors and female non-majors; (2) male physical education majors and male non-majors; (3) female physical education majors and male non-majors; (4) male physical education majors and female non-majors; and (5) all physical education majors and non-majors. Nineteen female and 22 male physical education majors, along with 15 female and 15 male non-majors, served as subjects for the study. All subjects were enrolled at The University of Alabama as undergraduates during the spring semester of 1981.;Based on the findings utilizing two-way ANOVA's, 16 conclusions were established: (1) female and male physical education majors are more attracted to physical activity compared to female non-majors; (2) female and male physical education majors have a higher generalized appreciation for physical activity and the benefits often accorded sports participation compared to non-majors; (3) female and male physical education majors have a higher affirmation of possessing physical endowments compared to female non-majors; (4) female and male physical education majors have a higher affirmation of confidence at performing physical skills compared to female non-majors; (5) female physical education majors are more attracted to robust activities compared to female non-majors; (6) female and male physical education majors are more attracted to activities requiring an ability in running endurance and speed compared to female non-majors; (7) female and male physical education majors and male non-majors were no different on the following: attraction to physical activity; affirmation of possessing physical endowments; affirmation of confidence at performing physical skills; attraction to robust activities; and attraction to activities requiring an ability in running; (8) female physical education majors and female non-majors were no different on estimation of one's physical ability and attraction to tennis; (9) male physical education and male non-majors were no different on estimation of one's physical ability and attraction to tennis; (10) physical education majors possess a higher maximal oxygen uptake compared to non-majors, as measured by 1.5-mile run times; (11) female physical education majors possess higher levels of flexibility compared to non-majors; (12) male physical education majors possess higher levels of flexibility compared to male non-majors; (13) physical education majors exhibit lower percentages of body fat compared to non-majors; (14) physical education majors possess higher levels of strength compared to non-majors; (15) female physical education majors possess higher values of self-concept compared to female non-majors; and (16) female and male physical education majors and male non-majors were no different on the subscales of self-concept.;Self-perceived physical abilities and attitudes toward physical activity were measured by utilizing the Physical Estimation and Attraction Scales. Physical fitness was measured through the use of a 1.5-mile run, hydro-static weighing, sit and reach test, grip strength test, knee extension strength test, a knee flexion strength test. The measurement of self-concept was obtained by using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale.