The Effects of Resistance Training on the Physical Self-Perceptions of Adolescent Girls

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that resistance training had on the physical self-perceptions of adolescent girls. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pre-measure, treatment, and post-measure and included 13 students enrolled in a private all-girls school. The participants in this study ranged in age from 14-18 years old and incorporated students from ninth through twelfth grades. The study hypothesized that participation in a resistance training program would have no influence on the physical self-perception or muscular strength of adolescent girls. The results indicated that participation in the resistance training program had no influence on the physical self-perceptions of adolescent girls. The results further indicated that participation in a resistance training program did have a positive effect on the upper body strength of adolescent girls but not on lower body strength. Implications of the findings for implementing effective resistance training programs with greater benefits for adolescent girls are discussed.