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Lucia, Maria, Davis, Paul and Whyte, Ian (2023) Body, Size, Race and Beauty in Sport: A Preliminary Study of the Perspectives of a University's Female Rugby and Netball Players. Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance, 3 (1). pp. 20-37. ISSN 2794-0586

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Abstract

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes of female university rugby and netball players toward their bodies, specifically their perceptions of size, race, and beauty. The sports were chosen because of their respective masculine and feminine images, historically. The study used a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of eight players from the women’s rugby and netball teams at a university in the north-east of England. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: inclusivity, discrimination, and the promotion of inclusiveness. Almost all participants reported negative body image, especially outside the sporting environment. However, most participants emphasised a positive outlook on their bodies in society and on the utilisation of their unique bodies to better serve their purposes in the sports they play. The study’s findings emphasise the need to foster inclusivity of body types and races in sporting environments and in the rest of society.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Physical activity psychology, Body image, Self-image, Thematic analysis, Society, Sport performance
Depositing User: Paul Davis
URI: https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/17880

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Uncontrolled Keywords
Physical activity psychology, Body image, Self-image, Thematic analysis, Society, Sport performance
Depositing User

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Item ID
17880
Identification Number
ISSN
2794-0586

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ORCID for Paul Davis
ORCID for Ian Whyte

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Date Deposited
15 Jul 2024 09:27
Last Modified
26 Nov 2025 09:10

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Author
Author
Author
Maria Lucia
Author
Maria Lucia
Author
Paul Davis
Author
Ian Whyte

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