Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Psychology, Sport Science Research Institute (SSRI), Tehran, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, GKM.C, Islamic Azad University, Gonbad kavoos, Iran.
3
Assistant Professor in Physical Education, Gonbad Kavoos Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gonbad Kavoos, Iran.
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Body composition is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional construct that interacts not only with physiological parameters but also with psychological factors. Among these, early maladaptive schemas—deeply ingrained emotional-cognitive patterns originating in childhood—play a significant role in shaping health-related behaviors, including exercise participation and dietary regulation. Another salient psychological construct is self-control, which directly influences an individual’s ability to initiate and maintain healthy lifestyle practices.
While research examining psychological dimensions of physical health is expanding, few studies have explored how variations in body composition are associated with early maladaptive schemas and self-regulatory capacity, particularly in physically active populations. Given the global prevalence of obesity and the complex biopsychosocial determinants of weight management, understanding these interrelationships could inform more holistic health and fitness interventions.
Accordingly, this study sought to examine the associations between body composition (categorized by BMI into obese, overweight, normal, and underweight groups), early maladaptive schemas, and self-control levels among physically active men and women. It further aimed to explore the moderating effects of gender and BMI category on the interplay between cognitive–emotional patterns and physical health behaviors.
Materials and Methods
This descriptive-correlational study involved a sample of 400 physically active individuals from Golestan Province, Iran. The sample size was determined using Morgan’s table, and participants were selected via convenience sampling from various sports venues, including gyms, sports clubs, federations, and university sports facilities. The final sample consisted of 270 men, 103 women, and 27 individuals who did not disclose their gender.
Participants were included if they met the following criteria: (1) regular engagement in physical activity, defined as a minimum of three sessions per week; (2) at least a middle school education; and (3) a minimum of one year of competitive sports experience at the provincial level or higher. Individuals were excluded if they had any diagnosed psychiatric disorder or a chronic physical illness that could interfere with participation.
All participants completed the following assessments: Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) Questionnaire: This instrument assesses maladaptive schemas using five items per schema rated on a six-point Likert scale (1 = completely untrue of me to 6 = completely true of me). Higher scores indicate greater schema activation. Tangney’s Self-Control Scale (SCS): This 13-item self-report measure evaluates self-control across emotional, behavioral, and cognitive domains. Items are rated on a five-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 13 to 65. Higher scores reflect greater self-control. Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI was calculated from direct measurements of height and weight. Participants were categorized into four groups: underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), or obese (BMI ≥ 30).
Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test evaluated the normality of score distributions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were then computed to examine relationships between BMI, maladaptive schema scores, and self-control scores. An alpha level of p < 0.05 was adopted for statistical significance.
Results
Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests indicated significant departures from normality in schema and self-control score distributions across BMI categories (p < 0.05). Subsequent correlational analyses revealed distinct patterns:
In obese and overweight groups, maladaptive schemas were positively correlated with self-control (p < 0.01). This counterintuitive association may reflect compensatory regulation, wherein heightened awareness of maladaptive patterns prompts increased self-regulatory effort.
In normal and underweight groups, maladaptive schemas were negatively correlated with self-control (p < 0.01), consistent with the expectation that fewer maladaptive schemas accompany higher self-regulation.
Additional BMI-based analyses further clarified these relationships:
In obese and underweight groups: BMI was positively correlated with both maladaptive schemas and self-control.
In overweight individuals: BMI was negatively correlated with self-control but positively correlated with schemas.
In normal individuals: BMI was negatively correlated with maladaptive schemas but positively correlated with self-control.
These findings indicate that psychological regulation and body composition are not linearly related; rather, associations may be contingent on psychosocial, behavioral, and possibly physiological factors.
Gender differences were also noteworthy: women, on average, reported higher self-control than men across all BMI categories. This finding aligns with previous literature suggesting women may develop more robust self-regulatory strategies in response to social and emotional demands.
Conclusion
The results reinforce the interconnectedness of psychological constructs—specifically early maladaptive schemas and self-control—with physical health measures such as BMI. They demonstrate that BMI alone does not fully account for patterns in health behaviors; deeply rooted cognitive–emotional frameworks significantly shape engagement in activities such as exercise and healthy eating.
Physically active individuals in the normal and underweight categories tended to show a more favorable psychological profile, with lower schema activation and higher self-control. Conversely, participants in obese and overweight groups exhibited more complex psychological patterns, marked by elevated schema activation and variable self-control levels. These observations suggest that tailored psychological interventions, including schema-focused therapy and self-regulation training, may be particularly beneficial for individuals with higher BMI.
Furthermore, gender-specific differences in self-control point to the value of gender-sensitive health promotion strategies, as men and women may differ both in their internalization of early life experiences and in their approaches to managing the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with body weight and fitness.
Keywords: Early Maladaptive Schemas, Self-Control, Body Composition, BMI, Physically Active Individuals
Article Message
This research highlights the importance of incorporating psychological assessment into physical fitness and weight management programs. Elevated maladaptive schemas in individuals with higher BMI may undermine consistent adherence to health-promoting routines, while those with lower BMI and higher self-control appear more likely to maintain such routines over time. Integrating schema-focused therapy and strategies to enhance self-control into exercise and nutrition programs—particularly for overweight and obese individuals—could address underlying psychological barriers and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of lifestyle interventions. The evidence supports a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical training, psychological counseling, and educational support to promote long-term well-being and reduce relapse into unhealthy patterns.
Ethical Considerations
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Sport Science Research Institute (Code: IR.SSRI.REC.1401.1868). All participants provided informed consent and were assured that their data would remain confidential.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed equally to study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the sports clubs, coaches, federations, and athletes who participated in the data collection phase.
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