Body image Flashcards
Learning Objectives
Understand and describe body image
including positive and negative body image, and the four body image dimensions
Body Image and Sport
Athletes are at an increased risk for
experiencing negative body image.
Higher rates of disordered eating attitudes in athlete populations.
- Prevalence ranges between 13%-16%
- 19.23%, 1 in 5 athletes run the risk
of developing an eating disorder - Rates are increasing with unattainable societal and sport-specific body ideals exacerbate concerns
What is body image
Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors a person holds towards and about their body.
The body is defined as anything to do with appearance, body shape, size, weight, and also physical functioning and ability
Body image - 4 dimensions
Perceptual
o What you “see”
Affective
o How you feel
Cognitive
o What you think
Behavioural
o How you act
Body image constructs
- positive
Positive Body Image
Appreciation of your own UNIQUE body
Accepting your body
Feeling comfortable, confident, and
happy with your body
Focusing on the positives of your
body instead of the negatives
Understanding your body can be
different than others
Protective attributes
o Increased self care behaviours
o Higher self-esteem
o Decreased depressive symptoms
▪ Reduce the risk of:
o Thin-ideal internalization
o Harmful dieting behaviours
o Disordered eating
Body image constructs
- negative
Negative Body Image
You feel uncomfortable and
awkward in your body.
Self-conscious, and anxious about
your body.
Focussed on what you think are
negative parts of your body.
Feeling negative that your body
doesn’t look like those around you
Increased risk for:
o Emotional distress
o Negative self-conscious emotions
o Disordered eating attitudes
Body image in sport pt 2
Body shape or size does not determine
an athlete’s performance
Success in sport does not have a certain body shape or size.
