BODY IMAGE ISSUES AMONG ATHLETES: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Body image issues significantly impact athletes across various sports disciplines, stemming from unique physical and psychological pressures. Athletes often grapple with conflicting demands: achieving peak performance while conforming to sport-specific and societal aesthetic ideals. Body image issues are pervasive across various populations, but they assume a distinct complexity among athletes due to the unique pressures of sports performance, appearance, and cultural expectations. This paper examines the underlying psychological mechanisms contributing to body image concerns, emphasizing sociocultural, sport-specific, and personal factors. Drawing from theories such as the Tripartite Influence Model and Social Comparison Theory, it highlights the role of media, peers, and internalized norms in perpetuating body dissatisfaction.