The purposes of this study were to determine the physical self perceptions of the physical education teacher candidates and their attitudes toward teaching profession on the basis of gender, grade and active participation in sport. Eight hundred and fourteen physical education teacher candidates from six different universities participated in this study. Data concerning physical self perception were collected by using Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ). Data concerning attitudes toward profession of teaching were also collected by Attitude Scale Toward Teaching Profession. Analysis demonstrated that candidates at lower levels had attitudes towards teaching profession at a moderate level; and females, lower-year students, and physically active students had higher attitude scores compared to males, upper year students and inactive students. Physical self perceptions of the physically active teacher candidates were higher than the inactive candidates. A significant increase was observed in PSDQ subscales of sports competence and appearance as a result of the progression of the program; but decrease was observed in body fat and global physical self-concept (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant and positive relationship was found especially between the senior teacher candidates’ global physical self-concept (r= .403, p<0.01) and self-esteem (r= .395, p<0.01) and their attitudes towards teaching.

Keywords: Physical Self-Perception, attitudes toward teaching profession, physical education teacher candidates