IMPACT OF FEMALE SPORTS PARTICIPATION ON SOCIAL LIFE

STYLE FACTOR SUCH AS SELF-ESTEEM, BODY IMAGE AND

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

1. INTRODUCTION:

The participation of women in sports has seen significant growth over the years,
challenging traditional gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. However, an emerging
area of concern is the impact of self-esteem and body image on female athletes' involvement in
sports. This synopsis explores the intricate relationship between self-esteem, body image, and
sports participation among women, shedding light on the psychological factors that influence
their engagement in athletic activities.

The term self-esteem refers to, “how we value ourselves; it is how we perceive our
value to the world and how valuable we think” we are to others. Self-esteem refers to an
individual’s sense of self-worth. It means that how much someone matters for himself/herself
and to the other people. It is reported in different researchers that those individuals who have
high self- esteem, they are happier in their lives as compared to the less confident people.
Moreover, positive self-esteem gives us strength to handle difficult situations. On the other
hand, the term ‘Body Image’ defines as, “The perception that a person has of their physical self
and the thoughts and feelings that result from that perception. These feelings can be positive,
negative or both and are influenced by individual and environmental factors. (Zhang, 2015).
Body image refers to a person's image, which are the objective perception and the subjective
assessment of the features of his body. It covers appearance, body shape, physical strength,
health and other aspects, and the degree of self-awareness. These aspects affect a person's
emotions and health behavior, such as weight control, personal and adaptation, psychological
stress, self-development and interpersonal relationships (Wang et al., 2016). Besides self-
esteem, a perfect body image is also very important especially for females. While discussing the
body image, it is necessary to mention ‘body type’ here because by identifying the body type of
an individual, it gets easier for the trainers to train the person for sports and games.

2. RELATED WORK:
Besides self-esteem, a perfect body image is also very important especially for females.
While discussing the body image, it is necessary to mention ‘body type’ here because by
identifying the body type of an individual, it gets easier for the trainer to train the person
for sports and games. Body type is broadly divided into three categories; ectomorph,
endomorph and mesomorph. Previous studies have indicated that young girls between 11
to 15 years of age, show serious self-esteem issues related to their body image. (Basich,
2006). In order to increase self-esteem and improve body image of young females, it is
necessary to appreciate their participation in sports and physical activities. (Wang, 2016).
Researchers show that those adults who take part in sports and physical activities are more
confident about their physical self-esteem and body image. Such adults are more satisfied
with their physical appearance. Physical self-esteem or body image are interchangeable
concepts of one concept as per the literature. The relation- ship of self-esteem and body
image in case of young females is not difficult to understand. (Bowker, 2006). By the help
of this study, researcher enables to highlight the importance of sports participation for girls
at all level. In Pakistan, fem- ales usually leave sports in their young age and it later leads to
health problems, low self-esteem and improper body image. Therefore, this study will
highlight the impacts of the body image on physical activities of young girls. With reference
to Pakistan, it has been observed that most of the young girls are reluctant to take part in
sports because of social pressures that affect their health in the long run. This research
examined the relationship of self-esteem and body image with sports participation of
young females. The purpose of selecting this topic is that both self-esteem and body image
can play a major role to motivate young girls to participate in sports and games. Tommy,
Yngvar and Stephen (2011) discussed the relationship between self-esteem and physical
activity in adolescents. On the basis of above mentioned literature, it can be concluded
that sports participation of females help them to grow as it increases their confidence and
improve their body image as well. To support the literature review, this research is going to
include two theories as well; self- discrepancy theory and self- esteem theory by
Rosenberg.
2.1. SELF-DISCREPANCY THEORY
This theory, developed by Edward Tory Higgins in 1987. In self-discrepancy theory
(SDT), the term ‘self’ is defined as difficult and multifaceted. However, there are different
domains which use to define ‘self’ and there are different states of ‘self’ described by
researchers. SDT focuses on three domains of self; actual, ought and ideal. The actual self
describes as the perception of an individual of his own characteristics. The ideal self refers to
the characteristics that a person wants to possess or aspire to have. ‘Ought self’ refers to those
attributes that a person takes as an obligation to possess. (Vartanian, 2012) SDT suggests that
individuals are motivated to lessen the gap and to remove differences in self-guides.
2.2. SELF-ESTEEM THEORY
The other theory that can support the present research is known as ‘Self-esteem theory.’
Self-esteem is basically an aesthetic phenomenon and it can be understood through instru-
mental and intrinsic values. To understand the concept of self- esteem, it is also necessary to
study the related terms such as self-competence and self-liking.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW
In this study by Calfas and Taylor (1994), the effects of physical activities on different
psychological variables. In another research, Jennifer and Abraham (2000) discussed the
eating attitudes and improving body image with reference to the new educational app- roach
which focused on self-esteem. Researchers explained that school-based programs helped
prevent students from eating disorders and also improve the body image of female students.
Tracy and Erkut (2002) described in their research that athletics is one of the most
prominent activities in United States. It is a fact that healthy bodies pro- duce healthy
minds. So, students are encouraged to participate in the sports and other physical
activities. Bowker, Gadbois and Cor- nock (2003) discussed two variables in their study;
sports participation and self-esteem. These variables were examined as gender role
orientations. Dishman et al. (2006) studied the mediating role of self- concept and self-
esteem in cross- sectional relations of sports with reference to depression. For this
research, 1250 girls were selected. A strong and positive relationship was observed
between physical self-concept and self- esteem. Physical activities were reported to be
helpful in reducing the risk of depression. Hardin and Jennifer (2009) discussed the
influence of media and gender role on the opinion of gender-appropriate sports. In this
research, researchers collected a data of 340 students and examined that how sports is
examined in US under the light of gender norms.
4. PROPOSED WORK:
This study carried out using cross sectional research design with the following objectives:
 To quantify the relation- ship between self-esteem and body image on sports
participation of female athletes.
The researcher formulated the following hypotheses:
 There will be a significant relationship between self- esteem, body image and sports
participation.

It can be said that sports play a vital role in the lives of female university students and
self-esteem and body image leave a significant impact on the participation of female
students. Pre-adulthood is difficult for the youngsters and particularly for the females.
They turn into the casualty of various infections prior when compared with men. So, it is
important to inspire young girls towards sports and diversions.

5. PREDICTION

Self-esteem and body image significant effect on sports participation of female athletes. At
the same time, self-esteem and body image the mediating effect of self-esteem will established
on physical appearance and sports participation will be a key factor.
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