Exploring Body Image Perceptions Among Female Athletes

Female athletes face unique challenges that reveal the need to change how they are represented and portrayed. This study will explore the research question: How does the media, social expectations, and sport specific body ideals negatively affect the body image of female athletes? This study will use Objectification Theory coined by Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Roberts which proposes that women are often seen and treated as objects (1997). Research indicates experiences of being objectified lead to body dissatisfaction because there is more attention on their appearance than their performance (Kayoung and Sagas 2014). Additionally, using the Male Gaze Theory posed by Laura Mulvey helps explain the way the media focuses on female athletes appearance over abilities that reinforce social expectations and representation (1975). This research is important because it will examine the body image experiences of female athletes and its impact on mental health, self-esteem, and performance. The discussion also highlights the push back from female athletes against social expectations, unrealistic beauty standards, and objectification that attempt to define them as women first instead of competitors.