Puberty and physical self-perceptions of competitive female figure skaters: an interdisciplinary approach

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2006 Jun;77(2):158-66. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2006.10599350.

Abstract

This study considered the interrelationships among biological maturation and its physical correlates, social physique anxiety, and appearance-related physical self-perceptions in 113 adolescent female figure skaters participating in solo (n = 73) or partner contexts (n = 40). Participants were interviewed about their menarcheal status, underwent a battery of anthropometric measurements, and completed the Physical Self Description Questionnaire and the Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Menarcheal status was a stronger correlate of physical self-perceptions than age. A combination of biological and psychological characteristics accounted for 25% of the variance in appearance-related physical self-perceptions. Younger, premenarcheal, ectomorphic skaters reporting lower social physique anxiety were more satisfied with their body fat and sport competence but reported lower self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and appearance scores. Skating context did not predict physical self-perceptions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menarche
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Puberty* / psychology
  • Skating* / psychology
  • Somatotypes
  • Surveys and Questionnaires