This study analyses middle school girls’ self-body evaluation and self-esteem, among those who were participating in after-school dance programs and those who did not, and sought to find whether the after-school program had a positive influence on m...
This study analyses middle school girls’ self-body evaluation and self-esteem, among those who were participating in after-school dance programs and those who did not, and sought to find whether the after-school program had a positive influence on middle school girls’ self-body evaluation and self-esteem by examining the relationship between the two groups. Based on the results, the research clarified the need for after-school dance programs and provided future data for other dance programs that may have a positive influence on developing healthy self-body evaluation and self-esteem among middle school girls. For the purposes of this research, the research was conducted among 300 middle school girls attending middle schools in Seoul, of which half of them participated in after-school dance programs. The analysis of the research were as follows.
1. In the analysis observing differences in self-body evaluation based on the general characteristics of the experimental group, the lower the BMI and ideal BMI, the lower the unsatisfaction about one’s bodies and they were less negative about one’s bodies. In the analysis observing the different perceptions on weight-control, girls who had a relatively higher BMI felt more need to control their weight, and in terms of ideal BMI, those who perceived low-weight as ideal felt more need for weight-control. According to the general characteristics of the control group, the difference in body unsatisfaction was statistically significant according to difference in age, BMI and ideal BMI (p<.01). The lower the BMI and ideal BMI, the lower the unsatisfaction about their bodies and they were less negative about their bodies. In an analysis to find out the difference in perceptions on weight-control, girls that were older and with higher BMI felt more need for weight-control.
In the analysis observing the differences in self-esteem based on the general characteristics of the experimental group, a statistically significant difference existed according to differences in ideal BMI. Those who perceived normal weight as ideal had a relatively higher self-esteem than those who perceived low-weight as ideal. In the analysis observing the differences in self-esteem based on the general characteristics of the control group, girls with an outgoing personality were found to have a relatively higher self-esteem.
2. self-body evaluation of the experimental group turned out to be 3.05±.55 points in body unsatisfaction and 3.09±.65 points in weight-control. The control group scored 3.14±.61 points in body unsatisfaction and 3.24±.65 points in weight-control.
3. The self-esteem of middle school girls in the experimental group was 3.68±.71 points and the self-esteem of the control group was 3.62±.70 points. Likewise, middle school girls that took part in aesthetic experience of after-school dance activities had more positive perceptions about their bodies and their self-esteem was higher than middle school girls that did not participate in after-school dance programs.
4. The relationship between self-body evaluation and self-esteem of middle school girls in both the experimental and control group showed a positive correlation between body unsatisfaction and weight-control·look improvement. In other words, those who were more unsatisfied with their bodies felt more need for weight-control and improvement of their looks. On the other hand, a statistically negative correlation existed between unsatisfaction about one’s body and self-esteem, weight-control and look improvement. This shows that girls who are more unsatisfied with their bodies and feel more need to control their weight and improve their looks had lower self-esteem.
5. In the analysis on self-body evaluation effecting self-esteem, both the experimental and control group showed that unsatisfaction about the body had a significant negative effect on self-esteem and the more unsatisfied one was about her body, the lower the self-esteem. In detail, among the girls in the experimental group, the self-esteem of those who were more unsatisfied with their bodies were lower. However, no factors effected the control group.
When examining the results, after-school dance programs are a venue for middle school girls to enjoy an aesthetic experience and also contributes in developing healthy self-body evaluation and self-esteem.
Therefore, the teacher in charge of the program should have a thorough understanding on the aesthetic experience and value of dancing activities so that dancing in after-school dance classes can truly be an aesthetic experience for the students. Moreover, teachers should first help students develop a healthy perception about the beauty of their bodies. In order for after-school dance classes, which has a positive influence on developing healthy self-body evaluation and self-esteem for students in their adolescence, to become more active and in-depth the Ministry of Education also needs to consider various measures.