A study to determine the degree of social physique anxiety and perceived directionality of its impact among elite female fitness athletes

This study investigated the degree to which elite female fitness competitors experienced social physique anxiety and whether it was associated with facilitative or debilitative practices. The Social Physique Anxiety Scale (1989) and Hiscock Directionality Scale (2003) were administered during a 2003 international fitness competition held in a major Canadian city. Participants included 38 volunteers of 46 competitors. Results indicated competitors had a moderate degree of social physique anxiety (M = 2.69, SD = .87) and minimal degrees of perceived debilitation with responsibility (M = 3.50, SD = 1.10) and affect ( M = 3.02, SD = .74). Debilitated affect was positively associated with increased social physique anxiety. Competitors appeared unsatisfied with their body image, desiring larger breast and less body fat, similar to the body image they perceived the judges desired. Many underwent or considered cosmetic surgery to enhance their image. The majority of participants trained primarily for physical appearance/sculpting reasons and consumed inadequate nutrition to meet their increased training volume. Forty-five percent had irregular/cessation of menstruation.