The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the relations among dance sports participants' body image, psychological well-being and self-actualization.
The population of this study was adult men and women who had been participating in dance s...
The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the relations among dance sports participants' body image, psychological well-being and self-actualization.
The population of this study was adult men and women who had been participating in dance sports for over 6 months at a dance sports center or a cultural center in Seoul currently as of 2007, and from a total of 720 adults were selected 700 subjects through stratified cluster random sampling, and 630 of them were used in analysis.
The questionnaire for data collection was prepared using the body image scale, which was the scale in PSDQ (Physical Self-Description Questionnaire) of 117 Marsh et al. (1994) translated by Kim Byeong-joon and used by Kim Yoogyeong(2005), the psychology well-being scale (PWBS) developed by Ryff(1989), translated by Kim Myeong-so, Kim Hye-won and Cha Gyeong-ho (2001) and used by Seo Hyeon-joo (2006), Shostrom's (1963) self-actualization scale (Personal Orientation Inventory: POI) translated by Seol Gi-moon (1995), and the self-actualization scale of Jones and Crandall (1986) translated and used by Kim Jae-woon (2003). Collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability analysis (Cronbach's a), one-way ANOVA and covariance structure analysis using SPSS PC 15.0 for Windows and Amos 7.0.
The results of analysis conducted through the research methods and procedure as above are summarized as follows.
First, partially significant difference was observed in body image according to the dance sports participants' demographical variables. Among the sub-factors of body image, appearance was higher in those in their 20s~40s and university graduates, and body shape was higher in unmarried men, students, specialists, civil servants, and university graduates. In addition, health was higher in men, specialists, and those in the high-income group.
Second, partially significant difference was observed in psychological wellbeing according to the dance sports participants' demographical variables. Among the sub-factors of psychological well-being, positive interpersonal relation was higher in students, specialists, those aged 30 or younger, and unmarried ones. In addition, autonomy and environment control were higher in those aged over 30, married ones, and those in the high-income group. Life purpose was higher in those with income of over 4 million won.
Third, partially significant difference was observed in self-actualization according to the dance sports participants' demographical variables. Among the sub-factors of self-actualization, self-reception was higher in unmarried ones and specialists. In addition, confidence was higher in men and those with income of over 3 million won, and lower in housewives than in other groups.
Fourth, partially significant difference was observed in body image according to the dance sports participants' frequency of participation and participation period but not according to participation intensity. Among the sub-factors of body image, appearance was more positive in those who were participating in dance sports once or twice a week regularly, and health was higher in those who had been participating in dance sports for less than 1 year.
Fifth, partially significant difference was observed in psychological well-being according to the dance sports participants' frequency of participation, participation intensity and participation period. Among the sub-factors of psychological wellbeing, positive interpersonal relation was more positive in those who had been participating in dance sports for less than 1 year and those who were participating once or twice a week. In addition, environment control was higher in those who were participating once or twice a week and those who were participating for 1-2 hours a week. Autonomy was more positive in those who had been participating in dance sports for over 4 years.
Sixth, partially significant difference was observed in self-actualization according to the dance sports participants' frequency of participation and participation intensity but not according to participation period. Among the subfactors of self-actualization, self-reception was higher in those who were participating once or twice a week, those who were articipating almost everyday, and those who were participating for 1-2 hours a week. In addition, loyalty was more positive in those who were participating for 2 hours or less a week. Confidence did not show any statistically significant difference.
Seventh, causal relations were observed among dance sports participants'body image, psychological well-being and self-actualization. That is, body image had a positive effect on psychological well-being, and psychological well-being had a positive effect on self-actualization.
In the results of our analysis as presented above, dance sports participants'body image had a significant effect on their psychological well-being and selfactualization, and their psychological well-being had a significant effect on their self-actualization. This shows that dance sports participants' body image can enhance their psychological well-being and the enhanced psychological well-being can have a positive effect on self-actualization. This result suggests that the research model formulated in this study is an optimal model.