Abstract

Research on the relationship between motor skills, body image and happiness in life is usually focused on older age groups and is uncommon in younger school-age children. However, new findings in this area may have implications for the formation of a child's self-concept and success during schooling, and have implications for self-concept at older ages. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between motor levels, physical self-concept and happiness in children attending primary school. The research population consisted of 97 children aged 9.39 (47 girls, 50 boys). The level of motor skills was assessed on the basis of the results of the TGMD-2 test (Ulrich, 2000). The perception of one's own body (so-called physical self-esteem) and the feeling of happiness were assessed by the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale 2 questionnaire. A strong relationship was confirmed between physical self-esteem and sense of happiness (rs=0.73 p≤0.05). A weak relationship was found between the level of motor skills and sense of happiness (rs=0.22 p≤0.05). No gender differences were found in the level of motor skills, physical self-esteem and sense of happiness. The observed associations in the age category need to be further investigated and the results of the research to be reflected in the practice of primary schools.