On Versus Off the Pitch: The Transiency of Body Satisfaction Among Female Rugby Players, Cricketers, and Netballers

Abstract

In this study I investigated the development of body satisfaction among women rugby players, cricketers, and netballers. I also sought to assess the impact of sport participation on both athletic and "feminine" identity. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 rugby players, 10 cricketers, and 10 netballers. The interviews focused on the experience of playing sport and the impact sport had made on respondents' perceptions of their bodies. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the interview data it was found that, although sport participation did lead to positive perceptions of their bodies, this effect was transient. Once placed in a social environment body satisfaction decreased, and women's perceptions of their bodies changed because of a perceived demand to conform to socially accepted and expected norms of (heterosexual) physical attractiveness. Fear of being perceived as lesbian and the perceived naturalness of body concern were also identified.

Differences in functional and aesthetic body image between sedentary girls and girls involved in sports and physical activity: Does sport type make a difference?

“…In addition, different sports types were also not significantly associated with differences in girls' appearance satisfaction, contrary to previous research that found variable associations with body satisfaction (Smolak et al, 2000). Conflicting body ideals have previously been reported by female sports participants, particularly as they move between the sporting and social contexts (Krane, Michelnok, & Stiles-Shipley, 2001;Russell, 2004).…”

“…Functional and Aesthetic Body Image 23 physical skill (Russell, 2004). Although functional body image in the current study was more pronounced for girls participating in sports and physical activity, our results also illustrated that sports and physical activity participation were associated with higher valuation of the body's attractiveness and higher investment in the body's appearance, particularly when sports were aesthetically focused.…”

“…Whereas the strong athletic body is viewed as an ideal body in the sporting context, this body is not aligned with the feminine ideal of Western society (Russell, 2004). Thus although the focus of the body within the sporting contexts is predominantly functionally based, dominant appearance ideals may still filter into such contexts and influence girls' body perceptions.…”

Association between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Goals for Physical Activity Practice in Fitness Center

“…However, BID usually leads people to start a physical activity program, Oliveira [14] emphasizes, since a well-planned exercise routine can reduce body weight and make them reach bodies that they idealize. In this line, Russel [15] states that some studies have shown that women who practice physical activity have a more positive perception of their body.…”

Embedding a critical inquiry approach across the AC:HPE to support adolescent girls in participating in traditionally masculinised sport

“…The construction of femininity and athleticism, specifically in TMS, is exceptionally problematic for adolescent females as they are at a particularly vulnerable age in relation to body image, self-esteem, physical appearance and pressure to conform to gender ideologies (Bowker, Gadbois & Cornock, 2003;Russell, 2004). Self-esteem, self-efficacy and body image are related strongly to whether females feel they are conforming to their gender roles as based on gender role expectations (Horn, Newton & Evers, 2011).…”