Predictors of Social Exclusion among Adolescents

The Weight of Physical Self-Concept Dimensions

Bibliographic Data

ID15718162
AuthorsRosa González-Delgado (0000-0003-0966-1991, Junta de Andalucía), A J Rodríguez‐hidalgo (0000-0001-6968-8665, University of Córdoba, corresponding author), Ricardo Ortega Ruiz (0000-0003-2110-6931, University of Córdoba), Juan De Dios Benítez-Sillero (0000-0003-1861-2913, University of Córdoba), Javier Murillo-Moraño (0000-0001-8160-2203, University of Córdoba)
Year2024
Volume11
Issue10
Pages1235-1235
Publication date2024-10-14
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children11101235
PMID39457200
OpenAlexW4403401836
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited52

Background: Social exclusion victimization among adolescents causes significant damage and harm to development and social balance. Many of the aggressions that lead to this are based on social stigmas, particularly related to physical appearance in school settings involving physical and sports activities. This study investigates the relationship between victimization through social exclusion (both manifest and subtle forms) and physical self-concept, specifically examining ability, attractiveness, physical condition, and strength. Methods: A total of 876 adolescents (mean age = 14.91; standard deviation = 1.71 years), evenly divided between boys and girls, from secondary schools in Andalusia, Spain participated. They completed a self-report questionnaire assessing physical abilities, attractiveness, physical condition, and self-perceived strength, alongside an instrument measuring experiences of social exclusion and manifest exclusion. Results: Our findings indicate that physical ability, attractiveness, and condition are negative statistical predictors of both manifest and subtle exclusion victimization, while self-perceived strength is a statistical predictor of subtle exclusion. Manifest exclusion impacts both genders similarly, but girls are more vulnerable to subtle forms of exclusion. Regardless of gender, physical ability and attractiveness significantly predict both types of exclusion. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of physical self-concept for wellbeing and maintaining self-concept balance. The inclusion of interventions addressing social exclusion in physical education is crucial, particularly those that work to mitigate social stigmas against adolescents who struggle in physical or sporting activities. A gender-sensitive approach should also be incorporated. The growing field of research on adolescent social exclusion, both manifest and subtle, underscores the need for further exploration of its links to physical condition, physical activity, self-perception, and societal stereotypes

Developmental psychology · Political science · Social exclusion · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology

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