THE IMPACT OF RECEIVING A CRITICAL WEIGHT/SHAPE COMMENT ON FEMALE AESTHETIC ATHLETES’ WELLBEING

This study investigated whether female aesthetic athletes (a subset of athletes including dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters) who recall receiving critical comments about their weight/shape report poorer wellbeing compared to those who do not. Female aesthetic athletes (N= 381) completed measures assessing psychological wellbeing (self-esteem, anxiety), disordered eating and compulsive exercise behaviours/attitudes. Participants who recalled receiving a critical comment about their weight/ shape (N= 251) reported higher levels of disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem. Greater awareness is needed of the potential negative impact that such critical comments may have on athlete wellbeing.