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The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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  • Luciana Zaccagni

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44123 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

Concerns about body image may affect athletes, mainly because of specific sports models to achieve successful performance. This systematic review reports on body image dissatisfaction (BID) in athletes following the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. From a total of 887 articles identified through a systematic search of electronic databases, 15 articles conducted on 2412 athletes were included in this review. To be eligible for inclusion, the studies must have been published in the last ten years up until September 2022 and analyze body image perception using body figure drawings and anthropometric profiles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. These studies were compared through thematic analysis of BID to develop four general issues, including gender, sport type and level, and weight status. According to the meta-analyses, the significant medium and small effect sizes found for gender and weight status, respectively, indicated that male athletes had lower BID than females and that, among the latter, normal-weight athletes had a higher BID than underweight ones. The implications and limitations of the included studies are discussed extensively in this review, highlighting the need for further research on BID examined both in the social and the sports contexts. Sports activity should be carried out following healthy lifestyles, and promoting positive BI.

Suggested Citation

  • Luciana Zaccagni & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, 2023. "The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:5228-:d:1104618
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir & Petra Sigurðardóttir & Sigurlaug Jónsdóttir & Guðlaug Þorsteinsdóttir & Jose Saavedra, 2019. "Body Image Concern and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Elite Icelandic Athletes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Physical Activity and Body Image Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Kaitlyn M. Eck & Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, 2022. "Development and Psychometric Validation of the Athletes’ Perceived Body Pressures from Coaches Questionnaire (APBPCQ)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Stefania Toselli & Natascia Rinaldo & Mario Mauro & Alessia Grigoletto & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Body Image Perception in Adolescents: The Role of Sports Practice and Sex," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    5. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Sabrina Masotti & Barbara Bramanti & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Sex Differences in Body Image Perception and Ideals: Analysis of Possible Determinants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, February.
    6. Dana Badau & Adela Badau, 2018. "Identifying the Incidence of Exercise Dependence Attitudes, Levels of Body Perception, and Preferences for Use of Fitness Technology Monitoring," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-20, November.
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