Abstract

TEIXEIRA, C. M. et al. Physical activity, self-esteem and depression in older adults. CPD [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.3, pp.55-66. ISSN 1989-5879.

This research aims to verify whether physical activity influences the levels of self-esteem and depression in the elderly. The sample is constituted by 215 subjects (61 males and 154 females), practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity, aged 60 to 100 years. The study variables were evaluated by applying two instruments, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The results showed that elderly people who practice physical activity reveal high levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression. It was found that self-esteem decreases with age, while depressive symptoms increase. Gender, marital status, educational level and institutionalization reached statistical significance in the self-esteem scale. Were elderly male, with partners, higher educational level and non-institutionalized who reported higher levels. We conclude that as the frequency of physical activity increases, levels of self-esteem become more accentuated, while levels of depression decrease. Regarding the relationship between self-esteem and depression, there was a negative correlate with small effect.

Keywords : physical activity; self-esteem; depression; aging; elderly.

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