Abstract

Introduction: The association between physical activity for health and socio-emotional well-being in children and adolescents is widely documented. However, the relationship between active play and self-esteem in schoolchildren is unknown, especially when considering sociodemographic variables that influence active play.Objectives: 1) to analyze the association between different types of active play and self-esteem in schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 in schools in Chile, and 2) to determine the role of sociodemographic, school, and family variables involved in this potential association.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 417 Chilean schoolchildren (7.8 ± 1.1 years, 53.4% children). Active play was assessed using the Questionnaire for the Measurement of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior, and self-esteem with the School Self-Esteem Test.Results: Schoolchildren who did not play at home showed lower self-esteem, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables (βi = -3.00; 95% CI: [-5.78; -0.23]; p = 0.033), sociodemographic and school (βi = -3.02; 95% CI: [-5.82; -0.22]; p = 0.034) and sociodemographic, school, and family (βi = -2.84; 95% CI: [-5.67; -0.02]; p = 0.047).Conclusions: These findings support the implementation of public policies, and at the same time collaborative work between schools and families, that promote active play as a key factor for the socio-emotional well-being and health of schoolchildren.