HOW DOES THE PRESSURE OF BODY IMAGE AFFECT ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES - A QUALITATIVE STUDY
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Authors
EDWARDS, JACQUELINE
Issue Date
2000
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the different ways in which the pressures of body image affect elite female athletes. Due to the fact that the field of body image, and for our purposes weight, covers such a broad spectrum, it is necessary to limit the scope as much as possible and to concentrate on a few specific issues. The questions examined are: 1) What are some of the main effects that body image has on the elite female athlete? 2) How do female athletes acquire their perception of body image? 3) How are eating disorders and weight management intertwined with body image? 4) How do some athletes fall into a cycle of negative behavior yet others avoid it and establish a positive body image?
The data for this study was collected by means of interviews conducted with four respondents and this information was then explored using Tesch's eight steps for analyzing qualitative textual data. Data themes were identified and extracted from the participant's responses and the following several clear themes emerge and remain constant throughout the analysis: a) the extent to which body image matches the cultural ideal is a significant factor in determining the degree of body satisfaction one experiences; b) confidence is key to athletic success and since confidence is affected by body image perception, a cyclical process is created; c) body image functions as a relatively stable psychological construct and as a state-dependent perception influenced by changing mood and circumstance; d) females acquire their perception of body image at and early age and e) due to the fact that body image is a genetic construct, it may be changed, and therefore improved, by certain positive behaviors.