Examining positive body image, sport confidence, flow state, and subjective performance among student athletes and non-athletes.

Zachary A Soulliard, Alicia A Kauffman, Hannah F Fitterman-Harris, Joanne E Perry, Michael J Ross
Author Information
  1. Zachary A Soulliard: Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 3700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, United States. Electronic address: zach.soulliard@slu.edu.
  2. Alicia A Kauffman: Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 3700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, United States. Electronic address: alicia.kauffman@slu.edu.
  3. Hannah F Fitterman-Harris: Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 3700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, United States. Electronic address: hannah.fittermanharris@slu.edu.
  4. Joanne E Perry: Novant Health, Orthopedic Service Line, 1901 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207, United States. Electronic address: jeperry@novanthealth.org.
  5. Michael J Ross: Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 3700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, United States. Electronic address: michael.ross@health.slu.edu.

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to examine differences in positive body image, specifically body appreciation and functionality appreciation, between student athletes and non-athletes. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationships between positive body image and other sport-related variables. Seventy-nine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student athletes (M = 19.79, SD = 1.13) and 175 non-athletes (M = 19.38, SD = 1.81) completed measures of body appreciation and functionality appreciation. The athletes further completed measures of sport confidence, flow state, and subjective sport performance. Student athletes reported higher levels of both facets of positive body image. Significant relationships were also found between positive body image and the sport-related variables. The present results contribute novel findings to the positive body image literature and potential implications for coaches to encourage a culture that focuses less on body appearance and more on cultivating positive body image.

Keywords

MeSH Term

Adolescent
Adult
Athletes
Athletic Performance
Body Image
Body Mass Index
Female
Humans
Male
Personal Satisfaction
Physical Appearance, Body
Self Concept
Sex Factors
Sports
Students
Universities
Young Adult

Word Cloud

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