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Sports Participation and Self-Esteem: Variations as a Function of Gender and Gender Role Orientation

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of gender, sports participation, and gender orientation in predicting individuals' domain-specific and global self-esteem. A sample of 100 Grade 11 students completed measures of self-perception, body image, gender orientation, and sports participation. The results showed that although boys reported greater satisfaction with weight and appearance, there were no gender differences in general self-worth. In addition, more feminine individuals who participated in competitive sports reported lower levels of perceived athletic competence and global self-worth, but reported higher self-esteem when they participated in more noncompetitive sports. Although sports participation does predict self-esteem, participants' gender orientation and the type of sports in which they participate are moderating factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Anne Bowker

  2. Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

    Shannon Gadbois

  3. University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

    Becki Cornock

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  1. Anne Bowker
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  2. Shannon Gadbois
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  3. Becki Cornock
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Correspondence to Shannon Gadbois.

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Bowker, A., Gadbois, S. & Cornock, B. Sports Participation and Self-Esteem: Variations as a Function of Gender and Gender Role Orientation. Sex Roles 49, 47–58 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023909619409

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