Social Physique Anxiety and pressure to be thin in adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming athletes

Abstract

Participation in sports may influence negative body image and Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) as there is pressure by significant others to have a certain body image. The aim of the present study was to examine possible differences in SPA and perceived pressure to be thin between female preadolescent and adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics, and swimming athletes, and to predict SPA by global self-esteem, pressure to be thin, BMI, and training age. In the study participated 23 ballet dancers, 47 rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and 32 swimming athletes. They completed self-reported questionnaires assessing SPA, perceived pressure to be thin by coaches, parents and friends, global self esteem, and body image. There were no significant differences between groups in SPA, global self-esteem, perceived pressure to be thin, and in rates of body image (χ2 = 1.65, p = .800). Hierarchical linear regression showed that SPA was predicted significantly by global self-esteem and BMI (R = .58, R2 = .34, F(6,95) = 8.13, p < .001). It seems that there are similarities between ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and swimming athletes although ballet is considered as a non-competitive physical activity. Intervention programs in order to reduce SPA and enhance global self-esteem should be addressed to each group.