Body Image in Female Athletes

Abstract

This study investigated body image in female athletes, in social and athletic scenarios. Female athletes completed questionnaires after reading athletic and social scenarios. It was predicted that athletes would have more negative body image after the social scenario than after the athletic scenario. It was also predicted that non-lean athletes would experience more body dissatisfaction than lean athletes after reading the social scenario, because of their higher body mass. A significant effect was found for scenario on one measure of body image. There were no significant differences between the lean and non-lean athletes after each scenario. Significant correlations were found between high body mass and one measure of body image. Significant correlations were also found between those who indicated a higher degree of internalization and measure of body image.