Date of Award
Summer 7-10-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Problem: Female athletes are at an increased risk for body image disturbance, and subsequently disordered eating and eating disorders. There is an established, perplexing dichotomy in this population of high-self efficacy and low body image perception not seen in other populations. More research is needed to further understand this phenomenon, including examining the role that body composition plays in the relationship. Purpose: To explore the relationship between body image perception, measured body composition, and self-efficacy in female collegiate athletes. A secondary measure of athlete identity was also explored. Methodology: Seventy-five female collegiate athletes were recruited from two Southeastern universities. Participants completed both the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2), and the Athlete Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). Body composition was assessed using skinfold analysis and height and weight were recorded. Pearson-product correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data and determine any relationship between perception of body image and self-efficacy. Results: Correlations show a statistically significant weak relationship between body image perception and self-efficacy (r=.267; p=0.021), and body image perception and body fat percentage (r=-0.321; p=0.005). These remain stable when the three variables are considered together in linear regression (r=0.398 with an F=6.789; p=0.002). However, when all factors measured were accounted for in a linear regression, only self-efficacy remains significant (p=0.044). Discussion: When analyzing these results relative to a female athlete’s increased risk for both body image disturbance and disordered eating/eating disorders, this predictive model helps explain the relationship between these variables when considered as a whole.