A Structural Equation Model Examining the Cultural Relevance of Physical Self-Concept and Self-Esteem in Chinese Children

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to investigate: (1) whether three subscale scores (i.e.,body fat, appearance, and strength) and the global physical self-concept and global self-concept scores of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) are applicable to Chinese children; (2) whether there is a gender difference in these relationships; and (3) whether global physical self-concept acts as a mediator of global self-concept. Method: 320 Chinese children aged 7-12 years were recruited. The PSDQ was used to assess two global dimensions (global physical self-concept and global self-concept) and three specific dimensions (body fat, appearance, and strength) of self-worth. The children’s version of the silhouette matching task (SMT) was adopted from Marsh and Roche (1996) to measure children’s body perception. Results: The factor structure of the modified PSDQ model was applicable in young Chinese children, regardless of their gender. Results of structural equation model (SEM) indicated that the model was acceptable. The structural paths of the model and the mediating effect of global physical self-concept on global self-concept were discussed. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the physical self is an increasingly important correlate of self-esteem. It is particularly important relative to perceived self-presentation and social acceptance. Therefore, it is important to consider the impact of the physical self-concept on global self-concept from both cultural and worldwide perspectives

Sport Identity and Sport Participation: A Cultural Comparison Between Collective and Individualistic Societies

The concept sport identity was established in western countries to explain an individual\u27s sport participation. It cannot be assumed that this predominantly western concept will be directly transplanted to people of eastern origin to explain their attitudes toward sport. Cultural differences in sport identity and sport participation should be compared to establish the cross-cultural applicability of sport identity. The present study compared eastern (Chinese) and western (American) societies, known for their collectivism and individualism, for differences in the relationship between sport identity and sport participation in youth. The specific objectives were to (a) test the proposed model of sport identity and sport participation in two culturally diverse societies, and (b) examine their gender differences. Participants were 365 youths from China and the U.S.A. To assess the sport identity model, the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, Self-Regulation Questionnaire, Sport Competence Subscale from the Physical Self-Perception Profile and Perceived Importance Profile, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and Peer Influence Scale were used. Sport participation was established using the Sport Recall Table. Path analysis indicated that the proposed path model was fitted in the Chinese and the American participants separately. Interestingly, gender differences between individuals from either culture were not apparent; however, gender differences between boys and girls from both cultures were apparent. Compared to females, males from both cultures reported greater sport participation and sport identity. This study provides preliminary evidence that the sport identity model may explain sport participation in both individualistic and collective societies, but that predictive power is greater in western society

Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual Seminar: Towards a Smart-Green-Resilient Geo-Future for World-class City

This seminar proceedings contain articles on the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners presented at The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual Seminar (GDAS2023). This seminarprovides a platform for policymakers, practitioners, and academia to share their insights and brainstorm ideas with a view to seizing future opportunities and shaping the new future of Hong Kong. GDAS2023 was organized by the Geotechnical Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers on 19th May 2023. Seminar Title: The HKIE Geotechnical Division 43rd Annual SeminarSeminar Acronym: GDAS2023Seminar Date: 19 May 2023Seminar Location:  Hong KongSeminar Organizers: Geotechnical Division, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Link to the GDAS2021 Proceedings: Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 41st Annual Seminar Link to the GDAS2022 Proceedings: Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 42nd Annual Semina