The Relationship Between Parental Academic Achievement Pressure, Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, and Body Image Among South Korean Adolescents

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of parental academic achievement pressure and physical activity on body image mediated by self-esteem. By examining a total of 1328 South Korean adolescents, this study yielded the following results. First, parental academic achievement pressure negatively affects self-esteem directly. Second, physical activity positively affects self-esteem directly. Third, self-esteem positively influences body image directly. Fourth, parental academic achievement pressure has a negative indirect effect on body image through the mediation of self-esteem. Fifth, physical activity has a positive indirect effect on body image through the mediation of self-esteem. These findings underscore the importance of appropriate physical activity, especially for adolescents under significant academic pressure. Physical activity can directly enhance self-esteem, which in turn improves body image. This study highlights the role of physical activity in mitigating the negative impact of parental academic achievement pressure on body image through self-esteem.