Perceived physical competence and body image as predictors of perceived peer acceptance in adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among perceived physical competence, body image, and peer acceptance. Body image was considered as a possible mediator of the relationships between perceived physical competence and peer acceptance. Adolescents (N = 838) completed questionnaires. Direct and indirect effects of perceived physical competence and body image on perceived peer acceptance were explored using structural equation modelling. Gender differences were found and the structural mediation model was a reasonable fit to the data; the pattern of relationships in the model was different for adolescent males and females.