Original scientific paper
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BODY IMAGE: GENDER DIFFERENCES
Abstract
A review of the literature suggest a lack of research
on correlation between the physical activity level and
body image, which include a both gender samples. The
primary aim of this paper was to examine the relation
between the physical activity level (sufficiently physically
active vs. insufficiently physically active) and body image
satisfaction, in total and gender separately. A sample was
consisted of 1030 people (521 female and 509 male students)
aged 18 to 30 (M=19.74; SD=1.28), from six Faculties of the
University of Zagreb. The data were collected by filling
standardized questionnaires: a shortened version of the
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF,
Craig et al., 2003) and Figure Rating Scale (FRS, Stunkard
et al., 1983). The results point to gender differences in body
image satisfaction, whereby male students are significantly
more satisfied with their body image than female students.
In the total and a gender separate sample, the results suggest
to a significantly higher level of body image satisfaction
in sufficiently physically active students compared to
insufficiently physically active. Number of sports or
recreational training hours on weekly basis is significantly
associated with body image satisfaction in men, but not
in women. In the total and a gender separate sample, no
statistically significant difference was found in body
image satisfaction between the athletes and recreational
practitioners. There were also no significant differences
in body image satisfaction among people practicing
dominantly aerobic or anaerobic type of exercise.
Keywords
physical exercise; sport; body image dissatisfaction; students
Hrčak ID:
213751
URI
Publication date:
30.8.2018.
Visits: 2.601 *