2015, Volume 7, Issue 3
Physical activity and body image of women: literature review
Sonia Mosur-Kałuża1, Monika Guszkowska2
1Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education
2Department of Social and Cultural Foundations of Tourism,Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education
Author for correspondence: Sonia Mosur-Kałuża; Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education; email: sonia.mosur[at]gmail.com
Full text
Abstract
Background: This study represents a review of literature on the relationship between recreational physical activity and the body image.
Material/Methods: This research encompasses 39 papers published between 2008 and 2015 that were available in the Academic Search Complete database.
Results: The results of comparative, prospective, and experimental research are ambiguous. These data suggest both a positive relationship between the body image and physical activity, i.e. a more positive body image among more active people and an improvement in
the body image as a result of regular exercise, and a negative relationship, in particular,
a more negative body image in persons engaging in “aesthetic” sports.
Conclusions: Apparently, this is determined by the type of physical activity, i.e. recreational vs. sport. In the case of the latter, it is determined by the sport discipline chosen by respondents.
Key words: body image, physical activity, psychology, women