Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Kelly, Lauren H.
URN	etd-04072004-162144
Title	The Relationship Between Physical Self-Concept, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Competitive Trait Anxiety in Female "Aesthetic" and "Non-Aesthetic" Collegiate Athletes
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title David Pargman Committee Chair Gershon Tenenbaum Committee Member Tonya Toole Committee Member
Keywords	Competition Anxiety Body Image Physical Self-Concept
Date of Defense	2004-04-07
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of physical self-concept and competitive trait anxiety through the use of body image dissatisfaction in female aesthetic and non-aesthetic athletes. While there was much published research available that was focused upon physical self-concept and competition anxiety, nothing done previously emphasizes the relationship between these variables while taking sport type (aesthetic or non-aesthetic) into account. The present study investigated the predictive qualities of physical self-concept and body image dissatisfaction for competitive trait anxiety in female aesthetic and non-aesthetic athletes. Female athletes from gymnastics and diving represented aesthetic athletes (n=52) and female athletes from swimming, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, and golf represented non-aesthetic athletes (n=45). All participants competed at Division I universities located in the Southeastern United States and participants completed a survey comprised of three questionnaires that assessed: (1) physical self-concept, (2) body image dissatisfaction, and (3) competitive trait anxiety. Results indicated no significant difference between the sport types regarding physical self-concept and body image dissatisfaction, however, aesthetic athletes reported significantly higher levels of competitive trait anxiety than non-aesthetic athletes. A moderate negative correlation was found among the five subscales of physical self- concept, body image dissatisfaction, and competitive trait anxiety in aesthetic athletes. This indicated that low physical self-concept is associated with high body image dissatisfaction and high competitive trait anxiety in aesthetic athletes. A significant positive correlation between body image dissatisfaction and competitive trait anxiety was found in aesthetic athletes, meaning, a dissatisfied body image is associated with high levels of competitive trait anxiety. Physical self-concept was shown to have stronger causal paths to competitive trait anxiety, as well as body image dissatisfaction in aesthetic athletes than in non-aesthetic athletes. Further research in the area of physical self-concept, body image dissatisfaction, and competitive trait anxiety is needed to understand the explanatory power of the variables. Detailed athlete-specific instruments assessing body image dissatisfaction is recommended.
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