E-ISSN:2319-3050

Research Article

Sports Physiology

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences

2025 Volume 14 Number 02 APR-JUN
Publisherwww.theuniversityacademics.com

A Comparative Study Of Body Image And Body Shape Among College Female Students.

R1*†, Rani U2†
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55968/ijems.v14i02.520

1*† Ritu, Phd Scholar, Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

2† Usha Rani, Dean Faculty of Education, Chairperson Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

This study aims to examine the differences in body image and body shape perceptions between female college students engaged in sports and those not involved in sports activities in Hisar District, Haryana. Understanding these differences can provide insights into the impact of sports participation on body perception among young women. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 100 randomly selected female college students aged 18–25 years. The sample was equally divided into two groups: 50 sports participants and 50 non-sports participants. Data collection instruments included the Body-Image Questionnaire developed by Bruchon-Schweitzer (1987) and the Body Shape Questionnaire by Cooper et al. (1986). Statistical analyses, including mean, standard deviation, and independent t-tests, were conducted to identify significant differences between the groups. The findings revealed significant differences between sports and non-sports female students in both body image and body shape perceptions. Sports participants reported more positive body image scores (M = 50.88, SD = 17.59) compared to non-sports participants (M = 71.80, SD = 11.67), with a t-value of 6.86 (p < 0.05). Similarly, significant differences were observed in body shape perceptions, with sports participants scoring lower (M = 47.64, SD = 16.70) than non-sports participants (M = 60.50, SD = 22.01), yielding a t-value of 3.29 (p < 0.05).The study concludes that participation in sports is associated with more positive body image and body shape perceptions among female college students. These findings underscore the importance of promoting sports and physical activities to enhance body satisfaction and overall well-being in young women.

Keywords: Female, Body Image, Body Shape

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ritu, Phd Scholar, Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Email: 		R, Rani U. A Comparative Study Of Body Image And Body Shape Among College Female Students.. ijems. 2025;14(02):39-43.
Available From
https://ijems.net/index.php/ijem/article/view/520/
Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-02-01 2025-02-03 2025-02-24 2025-03-10 2025-03-30
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 09 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2025by R, Rani Uand Published by The University Academics. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)39
Download PDFBack To ArticleReferences
Comparative Study Body Image Body Shape Among College Female Students

Introduction

Body image encompasses an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance, including body shape and size. It plays a pivotal role in self-identity and can significantly influence self-esteem and mental health (Grogan, 2017). College-females are particularly susceptible to body image concerns due to various factors such as increased exposure to media, peer influences, and societal standards that often idealize certain body types (Perloff, 2014).

The media's portrayal of idealized body standards contributes to unrealistic expectations, leading to body dissatisfaction among young women (Tiggemann, 2012). Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own appearance by comparing themselves to others, which can exacerbate negative body image (Festinger, 1954). Furthermore, cultural and peer influences play a significant role in shaping body image perceptions (Swami et al., 2010; Jones & Crawford, 2006).

Engagement in sports and physical activities has been associated with improved body image and satisfaction. Regular physical activity can enhance body awareness and promote a more positive perception of one's body (Hausenblas& Fallon, 2006). However, the relationship between sports participation and body image among college females remains underexplored, particularly in the Indian context.

Rationale of the Study:

Given the increasing prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young women and the potential benefits of sports participation, this study aims to compare body image and body shape perceptions between sports and non-sports female college students in Hisar District, Haryana. The findings can inform interventions aimed at promoting positive body image and encouraging physical activity among college- females.

Material and Methods

Research Design:

A descriptive survey design was utilized to assess and compare body image and body shape perceptions among the participants.

Participants:
The study sample comprised

100 female college students aged between 18 and 25 years from Hisar District, Haryana. Participants were randomly selected and equally divided into two groups:

Sports Participants (n = 50): Sports females who have participated in inter university and national level tournament in their particular sports.

Non-Sports Participants (n = 50): Students not involved in any regular sports or physical activities.

Sampling Technique:

A simple random sampling method was employed to select participants from various colleges in the district.

Measurement Instruments:

  1. Body-Image Questionnaire (BIQ):Developed by Bruchon-Schweitzer (1987), the BIQ assesses individuals' perceptions and attitudes toward their body image. It has demonstrated good reliability and validity in previous studies (Bruchon-Schweitzer, 1987).
  2. Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ):The BSQ, developed by Cooper et al. (1986), measures concerns about body shape and has been widely used in research on body image (Cooper et al., 1986).

Data Collection Procedure:

Participants completed the BIQ and BSQ under supervision to ensure accuracy.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated, and independent t-tests were conducted to identify significant differences between the two groups.

Results

The primary goals of the current study were to determine whether there is a difference between in body image and body shape of sports and non-sports college female students.

Hypothesis 1:- There exist no significant difference between in body image of sports and non-sports college female students.

Table 1:- Comparison of Mean scores ofbody image of sports and non-sports college female students


International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)40
Comparative Study Body Image Body Shape Among College Female Students
VariableGenderNumberMeanS.Dt- ValueTable Value at 0.05 levelRemarks at 5% Level
Body ImageNon-sports females5071.8011.676.861.984Hypothesis not accepted
sports females5050.8817.59

INTERPRETATION

Since Table 1 shows that the computed t value is higher than the table value at 98 degrees of freedom, the premise that “There exist no significant differences in body image of sports and non-sports college female students” is significantly different is not accepted.

520 01.png

Graphical representation of mean scores of body shape of sports and non-sports college female students

Hypothesis 2:- There exist no significant differences in body shape of sports and non-sports college female students.

Table 2:- Comparison of Mean scores of body shape of sports and non-sports college female students

VariableGenderNumberMeanS.Dt- ValueTable Value at 0.05 levelRemarks at 5% Level
Body ShapeNon-sports females5060.5022.013.291.984Hypothesis not accepted
sports females5047.6416.70

INTERPRETATION

Since Table 2 shows that the computed t value is higher than the table value at 98 degrees of freedom, the premise that “There exist no significant differences in body shape of sports and non-sports college female students” is significantly different is not accepted.

520 02.png

Graphical representation of Mean scores of body shape of sports and non-sports college female students

Discussion

The study's findings align with previous research suggesting that engagement in sports and physical activities positively influences body image and body shape perceptions among young women (Hausenblas& Fallon, 2006). Sports participation may enhance body awareness, self-esteem, and satisfaction by promoting a focus on functionality and health rather than appearance alone.The significant differences observed between sports and non-sports participants underscore the potential of sports as a medium for fostering positive body image. These results are consistent with the social comparison theory, which posits that individuals engaged in physical activities may have more realistic and positive comparisons, leading to improved body satisfaction (Festinger, 1954).

Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for interventions targeting non-sports participants to address body dissatisfaction. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines and promoting body positivity can be effective strategies.

Conclusion

The study concludes that female college students engaged in sports activities exhibit more positive body image and body shape perceptions compared to their non-sports counterparts. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting sports participation among young women as a means to enhance body satisfaction and overall well-being.

References


International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)41
Comparative Study Body Image Body Shape Among College Female Students

Ahadzadeh, A. S. , Sharif, S. P. , &Ong, F. S. (2017). Instagram and college women's body image: Investigating the roles of appearance-related comparisons and intrasexual competition. Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 65–72 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Alameri AA, Ghanni MU, Ali A, Singh M, Al-Gazally ME, Almulla AF, Alexis Ramírez-Coronel A, Mustafa YF, Gupta R, Obaid RF, Gabr GA, Farhood B. The Effects of Curcumin on Astrocytes in Common Neurodegenerative Conditions. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2023;23(22):2117-2129. doi: 10.2174/1389557523666230502143131. PMID: 37132107.       [Article][Crossref][Google Scholar]

Al Riyami, Y. S. , Al Senani, I. H. , Al Brashdi, A. S., Al Balushi, N. I., Almarabheh, A. J., & Ahmed, J. (2024). Young females experience higher body image dissatisfaction associated with high social media use: A cross-sectional study in Omani university students. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 31(1), 85 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Brown, Z. , &Tiggemann, M. (2016). Attractive celebrity and peer images on Instagram: Effect on women's mood and body image. Body Image, 19, 37–43 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Bruchon-Schweitzer, M. (1987). Body-Image Questionnaire. . [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Chen, H. , & Jackson, T. (2022). The effects of media and peers on negative body image among Chinese college students: A chained indirect influence model of appearance comparison and internalization of the thin ideal. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1), 1–12 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Cooper, P. J. , Taylor, M. J. , Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (1986).The development and validation of the Body Shape Questionnaire.International Journal of Eating Disorders, 6(4), 485–494 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Fardouly, J. , Diedrichs, P. C. , Vartanian, L. R., &Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Fisher, C. , & Hill, A. (2022). “Why don’t I look like her?” How adolescent girls view social media and its connection to body image. BMC Women's Health, 22, 261 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E. (2011). Social psychological theories of disordered eating in college women: Review and integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(7), 1224–1237 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Grogan, S. (2017). Body Image: Understanding Body Dissatisfaction in Men, Women, and Children (3rd ed. ). Routledge [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Holland, G. , &Tiggemann, M. (2016). A systematic review of the impact of the use of social networking sites on body image and disordered eating outcomes. Body Image, 17, 100–110 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Jones, D. C. , & Crawford, J. K. (2006). The peer appearance culture during adolescence: Gender and body mass variations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(2), 257–269 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Kashyap, N. N. (2018). Effect of participation in sports on body image of female college students. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 3(2), 5–7 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Mandeep Singh Nathial, Analysis of set shot in basketball in relation with time to perform the course and displacement of center of gravity, American Journal of Sports Science, Vol. 2 Issue. 5 pp: 122-126 (2014). Retrieved from https://www. sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=155&doi=10.11648/j.ajss.20140205.13 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Meier, E. P. , &Gray, J. (2014). Facebook photo activity associated with body image disturbance in adolescent girls. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(4), 199–206 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Nagar, I. , &Virk, R. (2017). The struggle between the real and ideal: Impact of acute media exposure on body image of young Indian women. SAGE Open, 7(1), 2158244017691327 [Crossref][Google Scholar]


International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)42
Comparative Study Body Image Body Shape Among College Female Students

Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women's body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11–12), 363–377 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Rodgers, R. F. , &Melioli, T. (2016). The relationship between body image concerns, eating disorders, and Internet use, part I: A review of empirical support. Adolescent Research Review, 1(2), 95–119 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Singh, M. , Kadhim, M. M. , Turki Jalil, A. et al. A systematic review of the protective effects of silymarin/silibinin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Cancer Cell Int 23, 88 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-023-02936-4 https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-023-02936-4 [Article][Crossref][Google Scholar]

Singh, M. , Kour, R. , & Kour, A. ,. A collaborative diversified investigation of respective responses of sports person coaches and organizations on criminalization of doping.International Journal of Health Sciences,6(S3), 11295–11310. [Article][Crossref][Google Scholar]

Singh, A. , & Singh , D. M. (2013). PROMOTION OF RESEARCH CULTURE –ENHANCING QUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION. International Journal of Behavioral Social and Movement Sciences, 2(2), 202–208. Retrieved from [Article][Crossref][Google Scholar]

Stice, E. , & Shaw, H. E. (2002). Role of body dissatisfaction in the onset and maintenance of eating pathology: A synthesis of research findings. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 53(5), 985–993 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Swami, V. , Frederick, D. A. , Aavik, T. , Alcalay, L., Allik, J., Anderson, D., ...&Zivcic-Becirevic, I. (2010). The attractiveness of body fatness in men and women: Cross-cultural findings. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 41(5–6), 793–812 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Tiggemann, M. (2012). Sociocultural perspectives on human appearance and body image. In Encyclopedia of Human Appearance (Vol. 2, pp. 785–793).Elsevier [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Tiggemann, M. , & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630–643 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Tylka, T. L. , & Wood-Barcalow, N. L. (2015). The Body Appreciation Scale-2: Item refinement and psychometric evaluation. Body Image, 12, 53–67 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Yang, Y. , & Liu, Y. (2022). Media internalized pressure and restrained eating behavior in college students: The multiple mediating effects of body esteem and social physique anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 887124 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Zhou, Y. , & Wang, Y. (2019). The influence of sports participation on body image, self-efficacy, and self-esteem in college students. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 3039 [Crossref][Google Scholar]

Disclaimer / Publisher's NoteThe statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)43