Androgynous identity predicts body appreciation in Japanese sport science majors: examining the roles of sport type and competitive level

This study investigated predictors of body appreciation among Japanese sport science majors, focusing on the roles of androgynous identity, sport type, and competitive level within a culturally distinct context. A sample of 240 university students (170 male, 70 female) completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory and the Body Appreciation Scale-2. Results indicated that androgynous individuals reported the highest body appreciation, significantly exceeding other gender role groups, while undifferentiated individuals scored the lowest. Male participants exhibited higher body appreciation than females across all roles. A significant interaction revealed female team-sport athletes had lower body appreciation than those in individual or hybrid sports, a difference not observed in males. Regression analyses showed national medalists had higher body appreciation, but competitive level did not moderate the gender role effects. Our conclusions underscore the protective role of an androgynous identity in Japan’s gendered sports culture and highlight unique pressures faced by female team-sport athletes, informing targeted interventions.