Effects of Advanced Weight Training on Body-Cathexis and Self-Esteem

27 college students participated in an advanced weight-training course while a control group of 30 completed a physical education major theory course. Both groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Secord and Jourard Body-cathexis Scale prior to and at the conclusion of a 16-wk. field experiment. The weight-training subjects had significantly higher self-esteem and body-cathexis scores than the control group which were attributed, in part, to significant improvement in their body composition, maximal strength, and strength endurance scores. These data support the contention that global self-esteem is a multidimensional construct responsive to positive changes in the physical self.