The Impact of Sports Participation on Violence and Victimization among Rural Minority Adolescent Girls

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of sports participation and race/ethnicity on violence and victimization among a sample of white, African American, and Hispanic rural-area high school girls. It was hypothesized that girls who participated in sports would report lower rates of violent behavior and fewer incidents of victimization. Using logistic regression and multivariate analysis of variance, evidence for the hypotheses was mixed and appeared to be related to the type of violence and victimization. Sports participants were less likely to engage in general violence and reported less physical and sexual victimization, but did not experience less intimate partner violence victimization. Conversely, sports participants were more likely to engage in verbal and physical reactive violence. While sports participation may have some preventative impact on violence and victimization, this relationship may also be influenced by community characteristics and not a universal outcome.

Gender-equitable Attitudes, Rape Myth Acceptance, and Perceived Peer Acceptance of Violence among High School Students: An Examination of Gender and Athletic Involvement

“…Although not statistically significant, it is notable that girls involved in athletics in the current study reported slightly higher PSV, higher RMA, and lower GEA than girls not involved in athletic. Despite extant literature indicating that participation in sports positively influences development of self-esteem among girls (Eime et al, 2013; Keane, 2004), and reduces risk for physical and sexual abuse (Taylor et al, 2010), girls’ athletic involvement does not necessarily enhance GEA. Indeed, inequities that are inherent to the landscape of school-based sports—such as greater access to financial resources for boys’ athletic teams—may reinforce gender inequitable attitudes among girls on athletic teams (Sabo et al, 2004).…”

“…Gendered social bond and male peer support theory posits that, in rape-prone societies, male peer groups may provide support and encouragement for the use of men’s violence against women, therefore generating violent behavior and reinforcing acceptance of violence among men (DeKeseredy, 1990). Although many studies document the association between men’s athletic participation and violence perpetration, research indicates that among women and girls, athletic participation may be beneficial (Broh, 2002; Dodge & Jaccard, 2002; Sundgot-Borgen et al, 2003), with girls who participate in sports experiencing less physical and sexual abuse than non-participants (Taylor et al, 2010).…”

Athletic Participation and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization

“…The current study used a nationally representative sample of young adults to explore the relationship between sports participation and IPVV. Previous research (Bendolph, 2005; Taylor et al, 2010; Taylor et al, 2012) on women’s sports participation and IPVV has been inconclusive and has not utilized nationally representative samples. In addition, past studies have yet to examine possible associations between men’s sports participation and IPVV outcomes.…”

“…As previously mentioned, although many studies have found a relationship between men’s sport participation and violent perpetration, research has indicated that among women, athletic participation was mostly beneficial (Broh, 2002; Deianey & Lee, 1995; Dodge & Jaccard, 2002; Lindgren, 2000; Sundgot-Borgen, Fasting, Brackenridge, Torstveit, & Berglund, 2003). However, few quantitative studies (for exceptions, see Taylor, Wamser, & Sanchez, 2010; Taylor, Wamser, Welch, & Nanney, 2012) have explored the association between athletic participation and IPVV outcomes. Taylor et al (2010) found that rural high school girls who participated in sports experienced less physical and sexual IPVV than non-participants, but not less IPVV of all types overall.…”

“…However, few quantitative studies (for exceptions, see Taylor, Wamser, & Sanchez, 2010; Taylor, Wamser, Welch, & Nanney, 2012) have explored the association between athletic participation and IPVV outcomes. Taylor et al (2010) found that rural high school girls who participated in sports experienced less physical and sexual IPVV than non-participants, but not less IPVV of all types overall. In addition, Taylor et al (2012) examined African American high school girls and found that athletic participation reduced IPVV, and this relationship was mediated through self-competence, a component of self-esteem.…”