Overview

• Analysis of questionnaires from 406 Japanese undergraduates showed that higher self-rated athletic ability aligns with greater grit, resilience and growth mindset.
• Participants who were youngest siblings, had athletic parents or came from higher-income households reported stronger athletic self-perceptions.
• Earlier motor development—indicated by younger age at first walking—also correlated with elevated perceived athleticism.
• Frequent feedback labelling students as ‘athletic’ boosted self-perceptions, whereas time spent on games and music was linked to lower athletic self-assessments.
• Researchers note that these relationships are correlational and recommend further study to inform interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among youth.