Research summary
Physical activity—whether sport or other exercise—offers a multitude of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, developmental and moral benefits. Unfortunately, 80% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years aren’t physically active enough to reap these benefits. Girls are up to six times more likely than boys to drop out of sport in their teen years.
Dr. Catherine Sabiston, Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Psychosocial Well-Being, has already discovered that body image plays a critical role in discouraging adolescents from participating in physical activity. She proposes that the problem is not just the way girls feel about their bodies, but rather the pervasiveness of these thoughts, feelings and evaluations. By examining how “body image interference” limits performance in physical activity, Sabiston and her research team aim to better understand body image challenges in physical activity. This will lead to better-quality participation and increased well-being for adolescents, especially girls.