Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction of college athletes is a real problem and it is affecting female athletes at an alarming rate compared to their male counterparts. Body image is a multidimensional construct involving perceptions and attitudes of the body’s functional capabilities and physical appearance. Although women experience a greater level of body dissatisfaction than men, previous research shows that men are experiencing greater levels of negative body image than in the past. The dominant explanation for this trend is one of two things, the first of which is that women participate in more aesthetically pleasing sports such as soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, softball, and figure skating. The second explanation for this trend is the rise and massive presence of social media platforms. The purpose of the current study was to understand body image dissatisfaction and inform others on the severity of it, while specifically identifying if body image dissatisfaction lives on the campus of a small public Division I institution in the Midwest. Participants (age range 17-23 years) were given a survey with a series of questions regarding their own personal body satisfaction levels. Based upon the results collected from the 103 participants, the study found that body image dissatisfaction does live on the campus of a small public Division I institution. Based on the data collected colleges should provide licensed therapists specifically for their athletic departments moving forward.

Year of Submission

2024

Department

Department of Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education

First Advisor

Shelley Price-Williams

Date Original

5-12-2023

Object Description

1 PDF (31 pages)

Language

en

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