Self-Esteem and Its Relationship to Body Image Among Female Athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to uncover the relationship between body image and self-esteem among female athletes, as well as to identify differences in both body image and self-esteem according to the age variable. The study stems from the importance of body image in shaping a woman's perception of herself and her level of satisfaction with her physical appearance, given that this satisfaction is closely linked to her psychological state, self-confidence, and personal and social adjustment.

The descriptive-analytical approach was adopted due to its suitability for the nature of the topic. The sample consisted of 60 female athletes, divided equally into two age groups: the first group aged 17–28 years (n = 30), and the second group aged 29–43 years (n = 30). The study was conducted in private sports gyms in the Province of M'Sila and the Institute of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities at Mohamed Boudiaf University of M'Sila.

Data were collected using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Body Image Scale. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized for data processing, employing Pearson's correlation coefficient and the independent-samples t-test. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between self-esteem and body image, with a correlation coefficient of r = .646 at the p < .01 significance level. Furthermore, the findings indicated statistically significant differences in both body image and self-esteem attributable to the age variable.

The study concluded that satisfaction with body image is positively associated with self-esteem, and that practicing physical activities contributes to enhancing physical appearance, boosting self-confidence, and improving psychological adjustment. The study recommended the continuation of sports practice, fostering positive body perceptions, and conducting further research connecting body image to other psychological and social variables.