Social Physique Anxiety and Body Dissatisfaction of Female University Students in Elective Swimming Courses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body dissatisfaction in the swimming pool contexts of university female students, and to determine the differences between various levels of BMI and body dissatisfaction in social physique anxiety (SPA). Two-hundred and forty-two university female students (aged: 19.8+1.0) from five colleges in Taiwan, whom selected swimming as physical education class were participated in this study. SPA inventory and body dissatisfaction inventory data were obtained at the end of the semester. Chi-Square, Independent two-way ANOVA and Scheffe methods were used to analyze the data. The results were indicated as: 1. Correlation between BMI and body dissatisfaction was found for university female students with normal BMI. Body dissatisfaction was considered at various levels, light (13.9%), moderate (32.2%) and high (24.9%). 2. University female students who have high body dissatisfaction had significantly higher level of SPA than light and moderate groups. It was concluded that most of university female students express an unrealistic desire to be thin. Highly perceived in body dissatisfaction is the important factor related to SPA. Therefore, suggestions based on practical application proposed further research to decrease negative stress caused by others’ evaluation on their physiques.