Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, Vol 57(2), Apr 2025, 108-118; doi:10.1037/cbs0000395
In this correlational study, we examined the relations between various sources of body image pressure, internalization of ideals for thinness, muscularity, and attractiveness, body image discrepancies, emotional distress, and self-disclosure difficulties (SDD) regarding diet, body image, and emotional distress to coaches, parents, peers, and teammates among 150 female collegiate athletes (Mage = 19.83). Ratings of body image pressure were strongest from social media (SM), followed by parents, coaches, teammates, and nonathlete peers. SDD was higher in relation to coaches, followed by parents, peers, and teammates. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated SDD to coaches, parents, and teammates was significantly associated with pressure from within the same relationship and depression. SDD to nonathlete peers, however, was significantly predicted by SM pressure and depression. Last, parallel multiple mediation analyses indicated that the association between body image pressure and SDD to coaches, parents, and teammates was partially mediated by internalization of ideals for thinness and attractiveness and emotional distress, while the association between SM pressure and SDD to nonathlete peers was partially mediated by emotional distress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)