THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND SELF-PERCEPTION

Objectives. The study examines the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and the self-perception, focusing on how the health behaviors affect the self-evaluation. It also analyzes the gender differences in adopting healthy habits, such as nutrition and physical activity, to understand factors tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mihaela RUS, Mariana Floricica CĂLIN, Mihaela Luminița SANDU, Ionel SIMIONCA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: “Francisc I. Rainer” Anthropology Institute of the Romanian Academy. 2025-04-01
Series:Anthropological Researches and Studies
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Online Access:https://www.journalstudiesanthropology.ro/en/the-relationship-between-healthy-lifestyle-and-self-perception/
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Summary:Objectives. The study examines the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and the self-perception, focusing on how the health behaviors affect the self-evaluation. It also analyzes the gender differences in adopting healthy habits, such as nutrition and physical activity, to understand factors that enhance the well-being and the self-image. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 participants (47 men and 53 women) aged between 18 and 61 (mean of 34.5 years). The methodology included using two instruments: an interview designed to identify a healthy lifestyle and the “Unconditional Acceptance of One’s Own Questionnaire – USAQ” in order to assess the self-esteem. The working procedure involved the application of these instruments to collect data concerning the participants’ health habits and self-perception. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods such as the Spearman test for correlation of variables and the Mann-Whitney test for gender differences. Results. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between adopting a healthy lifestyle and self-perception (correlation coefficient of 0.476, p < 0.01), confirming the hypothesis that a healthy lifestyle contributes to a more positive self-perception. Significant gender differences were also observed, with women showing greater concern for nutrition and mental health, while men engaged more often in vigorous physical activity and risky behaviors (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The results suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle positively impacts the self-perception and the general well-being. Tailoring health behaviors to fit gender and individual preferences may further optimize the physical and the mental health. This personalized approach may lead to better long-term health outcomes and improved well-being for diverse populations.
ISSN:2360-3445