Body Image Concerns And Cosmetic Surgery In Female Intercollegiate Athletes

Abstract

Eating disorders are common among female athletes suggesting a high prevalence of body image disturbances. However, attitudes among female athletes toward additional alternatives, such as cosmetic surgery are unknown. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the body image and attitudes regarding cosmetic surgery between female intercollegiate athletes and non-athletes in order to determine if female intercollegiate athletes' body image concerns and interest in cosmetic surgical options differ from their peers. METHODS Four separate questionnaires were administered to two groups of female college students: Intercollegiate athletes (IA) (n=86, mean age=19.86 ± 1.26) and non-athlete college students (NA) (n=171, mean age=19.38±6.44). The Body Esteem Scale (BES) was used to determine attitudes regarding sexual attractiveness, weight concerns, and physical condition. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS) and Muscularity Rating Scale (MRS) are nine-figure silhouette scales reflecting increases in body shape and size from emaciated to obese and emaciated to hypertrophic, respectively. The Cosmetic Surgery Questionnaire (CSQ) is an assessment tool constructed specifically for the purposes of this study to represent interest in cosmetic surgery. Scores were compared using between groups using a one-way ANOVA test (p<0.05). RESULTS IA had a more positive self-image regarding weight concerns (p=0.000) on all ten aspects of the BES and a more positive sense of their physical condition (p=0.000) on all nine aspects of the BES. IA are closer to their sense of ideal body shape and size (p=.004) than the NA, differing nearly two figures from their current and ideal (mean=1.70±1.13). NA were more likely (p=0.016) to undergo a cosmetic procedure and were also more likely to consider a consultation (p=0.010) or surgical (p=0.012) appointment if money were of no concern for their primary area of concern versus IA. CONCLUSION Female IA have a more positive assessment of body image and self esteem and are less likely to consider alternative approaches to improving body image than NA.