The 3-tier model of self-perception in young children: Examination of its infrastructure

Previous studies conducted in university and high school students confirmed that physical self-perceptions were hierarchically organized in 3 tiers, with global self-esteem at the apex, physical self-worth in the middle, and four physical self-perception sub-domains (sport competence, condition, body attractiveness, and strength) at the bottom. However, it is not clear whether children age 10 or under also exhibit similar pattern. In this study the 3-tier model was tested in 800 Hong Kong Chinese primary 4 and 5 pupils using structural equation modeling. Further more, how perceived importance and goal orientations affect physical self-perceptions at different level of generalities was considered.