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Helping athletes cope effectively with injury is likely of great interest to many sport stakeholders. Mental toughness is one psychological factor positively associated with resilience and sport performance, though stubborn persistence through injury might not always be conducive to adaptive athlete outcomes. Self-compassion-a balanced, nonjudgmental approach in relating to oneself when experiencing suffering-might help circumvent these pitfalls and complement injury recovery. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between mental toughness and self-compassion in a sport injury context. This study consisted of 2 phases-phase I quantitatively assessed the relationships between mental toughness, self-compassion, and other psychological constructs, while phase II used qualitative interviews to corroborate and inform these findings. In phase I, competitive athletes who were injured at the time of data collection (n = 81) completed mental toughness, self-compassion, coping resources, self-esteem, and self-criticism questionnaires. Self-compassion was positively correlated with mental toughness (r = .48, P < .01), coping resources (r = .54, P < .05), and self-esteem (r = .60, P < .01). Self-compassion and self-criticism were negatively correlated with each other (r = -.52, P < .01). Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that self-compassion was a significant predictor of mental toughness (ΔR² = .07, P < .01), coping resources (ΔR2 = .10, P < .01), and self-criticism (ΔR² = .06, P < .01), beyond the effects of self-esteem. Four injured athletes who scored above the median on mental toughness and self-compassion measures were interviewed in phase II. Thematic analysis generated 2 themes: (1) self-compassion grants access to wise mental toughness and (2) mental toughness helps activate self-compassionate actions during injury. These findings are consistent with recent research and suggest that both mental toughness and self-compassion can work together to help athletes cope with sport injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the personality characteristics that help and/or hinder competitive success in sport is of great interest to many sport psychology researchers. Grit (i.e. passion and perseverance towards long-term goals) is one such construct that has recently gained popularity in the sport domain. This scoping review explored the associations between grit and the cognitive, affective, and behavioural variables that reside within athletes and sport settings. Ninety publications were identified through various search strategies. The majority of studies explored relationships between grit and athlete sex, athlete skill/competitive level, sport performance, motivation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and deliberate practice. Constructs that have been previously critiqued as sharing significant variance with grit were also collated from the existing research. Six collegiate-level coaches were consulted as knowledgeable stakeholders and provided input to the results of the scoping review. These results allowed for the identification of future research considerations, including ameliorating current issues regarding grit measurement in sport contexts, and the designing and testing of interventions aimed at increasing athlete grit levels. Additional research with stronger methodological design and rigour is needed, and recommendations to enhance the quality of future studies with athletes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing emphasis on self-compassion in sport, little research has focused exclusively on men athletes. The purpose of this research was to explore the interaction of self-compassion and diverse versions of masculinity on the psychosocial well-being of men athletes. The authors sampled 172 men athletes (Mage = 22.8 yr) from a variety of sports, using descriptive methodology with self-report questionnaires. Self-compassion was related to most variables (e.g., psychological well-being, fear of negative evaluation, state self-criticism, internalized shame, reactions to a hypothetical sport-specific scenario) in hypothesized directions and predicted unique variance beyond self-esteem across most of those variables, as well as moderated relationships between masculinity and both autonomy and attitudes toward gay men. In addition, self-compassion was differentially related to inclusive and hegemonic masculinity. Our findings support self-compassion as a promising resource for men athletes to buffer emotionally difficult sport experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While self-compassion presents as a viable resource for managing difficult events in sport, little is known about how it functions in the stress process. In 2 studies with women university athletes (N = 122 and 131), the authors examined self-compassion as a prospective predictor of appraisal, coping, goal progress, and affect in a competition. Direct and indirect effects of self-compassion on aspects of the stress process were examined by testing full, partial, and moderated mediation models. Self-compassion plays a direct and indirect role in the stress process of competitive women athletes. Self-compassion significantly predicted higher control appraisals (Studies 1 and 2) and lower threat appraisals (Study 1), which explained coping tendencies of self-compassionate athletes. Sequential pathways linking appraisals and coping accounted for why athletes with higher self-compassion are more likely to have higher goal progress, more positive affect, and less negative affect. Overall, self-compassion promotes adaptive appraisals and coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some women athletes have expressed the perceived need to be self-critical to flourish in sport; however, women athletes with higher self-compassion levels tend to have greater psychological flourishing. Athletes' baseline levels of self-compassion (i.e., having a kind, connected, and balanced self-attitude when experiencing hardships) may be key to psychologically flourish in sport during the competitive season, yet this has not been examined over time. The purpose of this study was to examine whether women athletes' self-compassion at the start of their competitive season predicted variance beyond self-criticism in psychological flourishing at the end of their season. Competitive women athletes (N = 78; Mage = 22.97 years) in Canada completed an online survey at the start and end of their competitive season. Self-report measures included athlete versions of self-compassion and self-criticism scales, and sport-specific proxy measures of six components of psychological flourishing (autonomy, mastery, growth, positive relatedness, purpose, and self-acceptance). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that early season self-compassion explained 6% and 9% variance beyond self-criticism on end-of-season purpose and self-acceptance, respectively. The full models accounted for 12% and 29% of the variance. The results suggest that self-compassion may have an enduring and adaptive contribution to some dimensions of psychological flourishing in sport. Intentionally implementing self-compassion interventions at the start of women athletes' competitive seasons may have merit on the trajectory of their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seventy-five per cent of individuals with prediabetes will eventually be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Physical activity is a cornerstone in reducing type 2 diabetes risk but can be a challenging behaviour to adopt for those living with prediabetes. Individuals with prediabetes experience difficult emotions associated with being at risk for a chronic disease, which can undermine self-regulation. Self-compassion enhances self-regulation because it mitigates difficult emotions and promotes adaptive coping. We performed a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a self-compassion informed intervention to increase physical activity for persons with prediabetes. Methods: This explanatory mixed methods study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a two-arm, randomized, single-blind, actively controlled, 6-week online intervention. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio, participants (identified as people with prediabetes, low physical activity, and low self-compassion) were randomized to a self-compassion (Mage = 60.22 years) or control condition (Mage = 56.13 years). All participants received behaviour change education (e.g. SMART goals, action-coping planning) and either other health knowledge (control condition: e.g. sleep, benefits of water) or self-compassion training (intervention condition: practising mindfulness, writing a letter to themselves offering the same support that they would offer to a friend). The primary outcome was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the trial. To be considered feasible, our outcomes needed to meet or surpass our pre-determined criteria (e.g. time for group formation: 14–20 participants per month). Feasibility was assessed by examining the recruitment rates, retention, adherence, fidelity, and capacity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to determine trial acceptability. As a secondary purpose, we examined the means on key study variables (secondary and exploratory variables; see Table 1) at all planned time points (baseline, intervention-end, 6- and 12-week follow-up) to identify if they are suitable to include in the efficacy trial (see Additional Table 3). Results: Eighteen participants were screened and randomized to one of two conditions. Retention, instructor fidelity, safety, capacity, adherence to most of the study aspects, and acceptability by participants and facilitators all met the criteria for feasibility. Recruitment rate, process time, and adherence to home practice were below our criteria, and we offer ways to address these shortcomings for the efficacy trial. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that it should be feasible to deliver our intervention while highlighting the alterations to components that may be altered when delivering the efficacy trial. We outline our changes which should improve and enhance the feasibility and acceptability of our planned intervention. Funding for this study was from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04402710. Registered on 09 April 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) levels among adolescent girls continue to steadily decline, especially for those classified as 'at-risk'. To mitigate these trends, Girls United and on the Move (GUM) was created as a dual-component PA and psychosocial program. The primary purpose of this study was to explore participant experiences within GUM, with a secondary purpose of qualitatively informing future PA programs for 'at-risk' adolescent girls. Semi-structured interviews (N = 30) were conducted with a purposeful sample of girls from the GUM program. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze verbatim transcripts. Two themes were generated from the data: 1) Girls uplifting girls, outlining the importance of a girls-only environment and introducing opportunities for alternative PAs, and 2) finding balance between the physical and psychological, detailing the importance of the dual-component program. These findings provide support for the acceptability of an integrated psychosocial and PA program for at-risk adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a mixed methods research design, we explored self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes. In a quantitative study (n = 83), we found that self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being were positively related (r = .76, p < .01). A model of multiple mediation was proposed, with self-compassion, passivity, responsibility, initiative, and self-determination accounting for 83% of the variance in eudaimonic well-being. In a qualitative study (n = 11), we explored when and how self-compassion might be useful in striving to reach one's potential in sport. Self-compassion was described as advantageous in difficult sport-specific situations by increasing positivity, perseverance, and responsibility, as well as decreasing rumination. Apprehensions about fully embracing a self-compassionate mindset in sport warrant additional research to explore the seemingly paradoxical role of self-compassion in eudaimonic well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of a self-compassion intervention on negative cognitive states and self-compassion in varsity women athletes. Athletes who self-identified as being self-critical were randomly assigned to a self-compassion intervention (n = 29) or attention control group (n = 22). The self-compassion intervention consisted of a psychoeducation session and writing components completed over a 7-day period. Measures of self-compassion, state self-criticism, state rumination, and concern over mistakes were collected pretreatment, at 1 week posttreatment, and at a 4-week follow-up. A mixed factorial MANOVA with follow-up post hoc tests demonstrated moderate-to-strong effects for the intervention at posttest and follow-up (Wilks's Λ = .566, F (8, 42) = 4.03, p < .01, η2 = .43). The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the self-compassion intervention in managing self-criticism, rumination, and concern over mistakes. Fostering self-compassionate mind frames is a potential coping resource for women athletes dealing with negative events in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of a self-compassion intervention on negative cognitive states and selfcompassion in varsity women athletes. Athletes who self-identified as being self-critical were randomly assigned to a self-compassion intervention (n = 29) or attention control group (n = 22). The self-compassion intervention consisted of a psychoeducation session and writing components completed over a 7-day period. Measures of self-compassion, state self-criticism, state rumination, and concern over mistakes were collected pretreatment, at 1 week posttreatment, and at a 4-week follow-up. A mixed factorial MANOVA with follow-up post hoc tests demonstrated moderate-to-strong effects for the intervention at posttest and follow-up (Wilks’s Λ = .566, F (8, 42) = 4.03, p < .01, η2 = .43). The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the self-compassion intervention in managing self-criticism, rumination, and concern over mistakes. Fostering a self-compassionate frame of mind is a potential coping resource for women athletes dealing with negative events in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During adolescence, deselection from sport occurs during team try-outs when month of birth, stage of growth and maturation may influence selection. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in growth and maturity related factors between those selected and deselected in youth sports teams and identify short-term associations with continued participation. Eight hundred and seventy participants, aged 11–17 years, were recruited from six sports try-outs in Saskatchewan, Canada: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and volleyball. Two hundred and forty-four of the initial 870 (28%) returned for follow-up at 36 months. Chronological (years from birth), biological (years from age at peak height velocity (APHV)) and relative (month of birth as it relates to the selection band) ages were calculated from measures of date of birth, date of test, height, sitting height and weight. Parental heights were measured or recalled and participant's adult height predicted. Reference standards were used to calculate z-scores. Sports participation was self-reported at try-outs and at 36-month follow-up. There was an over-representation of players across all sports born in the first and second quartiles of the selection bands (p < 0.05), whether they were selected or deselected. z-scores for predicted adult height ranged from 0.1 (1.1) to 1.8 (1.2) and were significantly different between sports (p < 0.05). Height and APHV differences (p < 0.05) were found between selected and deselected male participants. In females only weight differed between selected and deselected female hockey players (p < 0.05); no further differences were found between selected and deselected female participants. Four per cent of deselected athletes exited sports participation and 68% of deselected athletes remained in the same sport at 36 months, compared with 84% of selected athletes who remained in the same sport. It was found that youth who attended sports team's try-outs were more likely to be born early in the selection year, be tall for their age, and in some sports early maturers. The majority of both the selected and deselected participants continued to participate in sport 36 months after try-outs, with the majority continuing to participate in their try-out sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion represents a shift in how to support performance and well-being in sport, and there has been recent attention directed toward the construct in both research and applied domains. To inform next steps in research and practice, we have reflected on self-compassion intervention and practice based on the current state of the literature and present key considerations for progressing understanding of self-compassion in sport. For the potential of self-compassion in supporting performance and well-being to truly be understood and harnessed, it is necessary to be strategic in addressing remaining fundamental questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has demonstrated many psychological benefits (Neff, 2009). In an effort to explore self-compassion as a potential resource for young women athletes, we explored relations among self-compassion, proneness to self-conscious emotions (i.e., shame, guilt-free shame, guilt, shame-free guilt, authentic pride, and hubristic pride), and potentially unhealthy self-evaluative thoughts and behaviors (i.e., social physique anxiety, obligatory exercise, objectified body consciousness, fear of failure, and fear of negative evaluation). Young women athletes (N = 151; Mage = 15.1 years) participated in this study. Self-compassion was negatively related to shame proneness, guilt-free shame proneness, social physique anxiety, objectified body consciousness, fear of failure, and fear of negative evaluation. In support of theoretical propositions, self-compassion explained variance beyond self-esteem on shame proneness, guilt-free shame proneness, shame-free guilt proneness, objectified body consciousness, fear of failure, and fear of negative evaluation. Results suggest that, in addition to self-esteem promotion, self-compassion development may be beneficial in cultivating positive sport experiences for young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test a model where body-related self-conscious emotions of shame, guilt, and pride were associated with physical activity regulations and behavior. Adult women (N = 389; M age = 29.82, SD = 15.20 years) completed a questionnaire assessing body-related pride, shame, and guilt, motivational regulations, and leisure-time physical activity. The hypothesized measurement and structural models were deemed adequate, as was a revised model examining shame-free guilt and guilt-free shame. In the revised structural model, body-related pride was positively significantly related to identified and intrinsic regulations. Body-related shame-free guilt was significantly associated with external, introjected, and identified regulations. Body-related guilt-free shame was significantly positively related to external and introjected regulation, and negatively associated with intrinsic regulation. Identified and intrinsic regulations were significantly positively related to physical activity (R2 = .62). These findings highlight the importance of targeting and understanding the realm of body-related self-conscious emotions and the associated links to regulations and physical activity behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To accommodate the need for longitudinal physical activ-ity research, we developed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (PAQ-AD). The PAQ-AD is an adult version of the PAQ-C and PAQ-A questionnaires which were developed for older children and adolescents, respectively. Methods: Two studies assessed the convergent validity of the PAQ-AD using a series of self-report tools and direct measurement of physical activity. Results: In the first sample (N = 247), the PAQ-AD was significantly related to a series of self-report tools (r = 0.53 to 0.64). In the second sample (N = 184), the PAQ-AD was significantly related to the self-report tools (r = 0.56 to 0.63), a physical activity recall interview (r = 0.24), and to direct measure-ments of physical activity (r = 0.26 to 0.43). Conclusion: These results provide preliminary validity evidence for the PAQ-AD and suggest the PAQ "family" of questionnaires might be advantageous for longitudinal research assessing physical activity from childhood to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the direction of causal flow between global and specific dimensions of self-concept. Although the multidimensionality of selfconcept has been strongly supported in the literature, the hierarchical nature of self-concept has not been established. With the use of structural equation modeling, the hierarchical nature of self-concept was tested using the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) model both with and without global selfesteem included. Adolescent girls (N = 618) completed the PSPP and Harter's global self-esteem scale during class time in Grade 9 and a year later in Grade 10. When horizontal effects were included in the self-concept models across age, there was little support for either top-down or bottom-up effects. This contrasted with the results found when the analysis was conducted within each time period separately. This research provides further evidence against the hierarchical model of self-concept and highlights the importance of examining the hierarchical nature of self-concept over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the validity of the Coping Function Questionnaire (CFQ) in assessing problem-focused, emotion-focused and avoidance coping function in adolescent athletes by confirmatory factor analysis. Gender invariance for CFQ measurement model; Correlations between CFQ and coping scales from COPE, sport-modified COPE and life situations inventory.

Assesses the feasibility of the Tritrac-R3D motion sensor over a 7-day period among children in Grades 4–8. Assessment of data downloading software problems; Correlation between Tritrac scores and Caltrac scores; Elaboration of self-report measures obtained.

Examines the convergent validity of the physical activity questionnaire for adolescents. Measurement of physical activity among students; Assessment of the questionnaire based on its reliability and validity; Establishment of criteria for the assessment of its validity.

Assesses the validity of physical activity questionnaire for older children. Analysis on the perceptions of athletic competence; Relationship between health and physical activity; Determination of psychometric characteristics.

Evidence is emerging for the potential usefulness of self-compassion (Neff in Self Identity 2:223-250, ) in young women athletes' sport experiences (Mosewich et al. in J Sport Exerc Psychol 33:103-123, , J Sport Exerc Psychol 35:514-524, ). However, it is unclear whether extending compassion towards the self contributes to or thwarts athletes' psychological well-being (i.e., eudaimonic well-being) in sport. The purpose of this study was to examine self-compassion during emotionally difficult sport situations in relation to eudaimonic well-being in sport. Women athletes ( N = 137; M = 19 years) completed an online survey including measures of self-compassion, eudaimonic well-being, and reactions to hypothetical, emotionally difficult, sport scenarios. Pearson bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships among study variables, and Preacher and Hayes' (Behav Res Methods 40:879-891, ) SPSS macro was used to explore models of indirect effects. The relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in the sport domain was generally supported, with significant correlations between self-compassion and autonomy, meaning and vitality in sport, and body appreciation ( rs = .18-.47, p < .05). Significant indirect effects suggest that (1) self-compassionate athletes have greater eudaimonic well-being in sport primarily through higher positivity and perseverance, as well as lower passivity in reaction to emotionally difficult sport situations, and (2) self-critical reactions suppress the relationships between self-compassion and eudaimonia in sport. The pattern of findings suggests that compassionately relating to the self might be advantageous for aspects of young women athletes' psychological well-being in sport. Specifically, having a kind and understanding self-attitude might nurture constructive reactions to emotionally difficult sport situations. Findings can inform future research aimed at better understanding how self-compassion is linked with optimal psychological functioning in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In thü study, we explored the mle of heaüh-enhanängphysical activity (HEPA; Miilunpalo, 2001) in women's eudaimonic well bang (i.e., psychological flourishing at one's manmal potential; Ryff, 1989). We used a quantitative approach (N = 349) to explore the relationship betiueen HEPA and eudaimonic well bang. While HEPA was not related to eudaimonic well bang, experienang eudaimonia through HEPA contributed uniqu£ variance in eudaimonic well being beyond HEPA and experiencing hedonia through HEPA. As quality of activity was more important than quantity, a qualitative component (N= 10) provided further insight on if and how HEPA contributes to xvomen 's eudaimonic well being. Participants supported HEPA in fulfilling their potential through goal setting/striving, providing bonding experiences, allowing far self-reflection, and developing a physical/able body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and well-being was investigated across a cross-sectional (Study 1; N = 243) and a longitudinal, two-wave (Study 2; N = 198) design. Study 2 further examined the role played by fulfilling basic psychological needs in terms of understanding the mechanisms via which HEPA is associated with well-being. Methods: Women enrolled in undergraduate courses were surveyed. Results: In general, greater HEPA was associated with greater well-being (Study 1; rs ranged from .03 to .25). Change score analyses revealed that increased HEPA positively predicted well-being (Study 2; R2adj = 0.03 to 0.15) with psychological need fulfilment underpinning this relationship. Conclusions: Collectively these findings indicate that increased engagement in health-enhancing physical activity represents one factor associated with greater well-being. Continued investigation of basic psychological need fulfilment as one mechanism underpinning the HEPA-well-being relationship appears justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body image experiences of young Aboriginal women are very complex and influence health in a variety of ways; subsequently, young Aboriginal women have voiced the need for action. The purpose of our research was to engage in a collaborative, school-based participatory action research (PAR) project in partnership with a local high school to provide young women, primarily young Aboriginal women, with an opportunity to manage their body image experiences in an effective manner. Students, teachers, and staff of Nutana Collegiate in Saskatchewan, Canada participated in this project, which took place from September 2006 to June 2007. The two primary phases of this PAR project were focused on building relationships and collaboratively developing action initiatives. The development and implementation of action at the individual, school, provincial, and national levels was the most significant outcome of this research. Findings suggest that universities and local high schools can and should work together to develop school-based body image programs for young Aboriginal women. As well, and maybe most importantly, this research highlights the strength of using PAR methodologies when engaging young Aboriginal women in body image research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was (a) to examine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and motives for wellbeing and (b) to examine the potential role of perceived psychological need satisfaction (Deci & Ryan, 2002) in terms of the physical activity-motive for well-being relationship. Adopting a crosssectional design, participants (N = 142; Mage = 65.01 years; SDage = 10.55 years) were individuals diagnosed with osteopenia who completed a self-report survey on a single occasion. Bivariate correlations indicated that LTPA was associated with motives for hedonic (r = .28) and eudaimonic (r = .35) well-being and psychological need satisfaction (r's = .12 to .45). Multiple mediation analysis indicated perceived psychological need satisfaction mediated the LTPA- hedonic/eudaimonic motive relationship. The 95 percent bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap confidence interval demonstrated that perceived competence and autonomy were the unique mediators. Collectively, results of this study support the relationship between physical activity and levels of hedonic/eudaimonic motives and that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is a plausible mechanism underpinning such motivational orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well documented that young women's social physique anxiety is associated with a number of health-compromising behaviors. The bulk of this research has used the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS); however, the use of questionnaires in the body domain has been critiqued because of the assumption that women's experiences are singular and static. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to try to better understand young women's experiences of social physique anxiety. Feminist theory was used as a guiding perspective for this case study. Four young women participated (all 15 years old) and multiple methods (i.e.focus group, interviews, abstract photography task) were employed. The four themes developed were: (1) web of emotion; (2) uncertainty; (3) beyond physique; and (4) resignation. The stories of the young women suggest that their experiences are not easily reduced to this singular construct, and that, as a construct, social physique anxiety is limited in helping us to understand women's diverse experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored gender differences in drive for muscularity (DFM), as well as cognitive and behavioral correlates of DFM. Although men (n = 71) reported a higher DFM than women (n = 126), the difference in DFM disappeared when the emphasis on the form of muscularity shifted from muscle size to muscle tone. Men and women reported a number of similar cognitive and behavioral correlates of DFM. The most commonly reported were physical activity (reported by 74.6% of men and 73.0% of women), diet (33.8% of men, 26.2% of women), cognitive problem solving (32.4% of men, 29.4% of women), leisure activity (21.1% of men, 23.8% of women), and social support (18.3% of men, 23.0% of women). Overall, these results support the relevance of DFM to both men and women and the need to better understand a broad range of cognitive and behavioral correlates of DFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of peer group composition and influence variables on social physique anxiety was examined. Peer network data were gathered on 375 adolescents (181 male, 194 female). Females reported experiencing higher social physique anxiety, more pressure and encouragement to alter their physique from peers, greater body-related discussion, and greater identification with the peer group than did males. Regression analyses revealed 2 peer influence variables—peer pressure and relative attractiveness of peers—to be significant predictors of social physique anxiety. A third variable—extent to which the individual identified with peer network—was a significant predictor for females. Results are discussed in reference to previous research, and future research directions are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns related to the body are associated with health-compromising behaviors, and although research has indicated that young Aboriginal women are dissatisfied with their bodies, their voices have typically been absent from the literature. The purpose of this case study was to provide insight into the body-related emotional experiences of young, Canadian, urban Aboriginal women. Four young women participated; 3 identified themselves as Aboriginal (one 14-year-old, two 18-year-olds) and 1 as non-Aboriginal (18 years old). Multiple methods (focus group, one-on-one interviews, and artwork) provided the authors the opportunity to listen to the young women's stories. Five themes emerged: (a) conflicting cultures, (b) need to belong, (c) the beauty of difference, (d) journey to acceptance of the body, and (e) the body affects everything. This research highlights the complexity of young Aboriginal women's body-related emotional experiences and indicates that their experiences might not be as negative as previous research has led us to believe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical self-perceptions and physical activity in Canadian school children aged 10–14 years. The sample consisted of 220 boys and 246 girls in grades 5–8. Physical activity was assessed by 7-day recall using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. Selfperceptions of physical conditioning, sports competence, strength, body appearance and general physical selfworth were measured by the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP). We found that boys were more physically active than girls and had higher perceptions of sport competence and strength. All PSPP scales were significantly correlated with physical activity in both boys and girls. Structural equation modelling procedures found the hierarchical PSPP model provided a good fit to the observed data, with little evidence of diff erences between the sexes. Analysis of five alternative structural models of the relationship between the PSPP and physical activity found the most parsimonious model to have significant pathways from both physical conditioning and sport skills to physical activity. Models for the sample as a whole, for boys and for girls were similar, accounting for an R 2 of 0.27–0.29 for physical activity. Our results demonstrate that physical self-perceptions, especially physical conditioning and sport skills, are significant correlates of activity in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present standards of the ideal body for women are becoming increasingly specific, with the ideal female physique being not only thin, but also muscular and toned (Bordo, 1993; Duncan, 1994; Markula, 1995). Women athletes often struggle with attaining the strong, muscular body that is needed to compete successfully in many sports and negotiating the expectation to conform to a lean, toned ideal, void of excessive muscle (Krane et al., 2004). The purpose of this qualitative case study (Stake, 1995) was to explore the meaning of muscularity with adult and adolescent women track and field athletes. Four adult and four adolescent women participated in focus groups and one-on-one interviews exploring issues surrounding the body, including ideals and expectations. The participants also took photographs to represent their perceptions of their own muscularity. Five themes emerged: (1) the many faces of muscularity, (2) muscularity as a process, (3) the blurred line between appearance and performance, (4) the culture of comparison, and (5) the journey toward a self-compassionate muscularity. This study is unique in providing women athletes with the opportunity to share their experiences with their bodies, particularly as they relate to muscularity. The voices of the participants emphasized that muscularity experiences are salient to women athletes, particularly within the track and field environment where comparisons are common. Muscularity was identified by the athletes as a complex and context-specific experience, reflecting the multiple meanings of muscularity. In light of the complexity surrounding muscularity, the athletes acknowledged that there are periods of struggle on the journey toward acceptance of the body. The multiple meanings of muscularity suggest a need for voice-centered approaches to research that attempt to further understand and respect the diverse experiences of women athletes. Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and a USTEP training grant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In North America, hatha yoga is increasingly popular with middle-aged women. Given its heavy focus on acceptance of the body, yoga may represent an ideal activity to be used within the exercise and self-esteem model (Sonstroem & Morgan, 1989). The purpose of this research was to explore potential changes in self-esteem, physical competence, acceptance, self-efficacy, and mindfulness among middle-aged women. Participants were 51 women (mean age 49.3 ± 6.1), who underwent a 12-week yoga intervention (yoga group, n = 21; control group, n = 30). Before and after measures included the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ; Godin & Shephard, 1985), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965), Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox & Corbin, 1989), Body Esteem Scale (BES; Franzoi & Shields, 1984), Body Image Visual Analog Scale (BIVAS), Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES; Junkin, 2005), and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer & Allen, 2004). Doubly multivariate analyses established significant Group x Time differences; follow-up univariate tests, p < .05, showed significance on PSW F(1, 49) = 12.22, conditioning subscale of PSPP F(1, 49) = 10.65, strength subscale on PSPP F(1, 49) = 13.11, BIVAS F(1, 49) = 11.76, YSE total score F(1, 49) = 9.84, and YSE subscales of forward bends F(1, 49) = 17.84, twists F(1, 49) = 8.18, and seated/supine poses F(1, 49) = 6.21, and observation subscale of KIMS F(1, 49) = 12.16, p < .05. In all cases, the yoga group improved more over time than the control group. Findings found partial support for the use of the EXSEM for middle-aged women participating in hatha yoga; there was general support for a bottom-up flow from exercise to self-efficacy, competence, and acceptance, but no overall change in self-esteem. Future research should further develop appropriate measurement of physical acceptance, the appropriateness of EXSEM for examining hatha yoga, and the benefits of utilizing mixed methodology for exercise interventions. Health behaviors: Addressing the gap in pediatric cancer care Keats, Melanie R., and Nicole Culos-Reed, University of Calgary Adaptive health behaviors, such as regular physical activity (PA), may serve an important role in mitigating many of the adverse effects of the pediatric cancer experience and ultimately improve quality of life (QOL). Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a theory-based PA intervention for adolescent cancer survivors. Secondary purposes included an examination of the relationship between PA and QOL and the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in understanding PA behavior. Methods: Participants included 10 adolescent cancer survivors (14-19 years). A group PA intervention was administered on a weekly basis over 16 weeks. The first 8 weeks consisted of a 30-min educational session, 45 min of aerobic training, and 15 min of strength and flexibility training. The final 8 weeks included a variety of noncompetitive, sport/fitness activities. The goal of the program was to provide survivors an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills central to a healthy, active lifestyle. All participants completed a fitness test and QOL measures at baseline, mid-program, postintervention, and at 3 and 12 months postintervention. Results: Survivors attended 81.5% of the sessions (no dropout). Physical activity increased from 16.14 MET hr/wk at baseline to 40.78 MET hr/wk mid-program (p = .018). Although PA levels declined over the 1-year follow-up, they remained above baseline values. Ongoing improvements in QOL were noted across the 1-year study. Examining the TPB, intentions, controllability, and self-efficacy appeared to be key correlates of PA behavior.… [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has recently been introduced to Western psychology literature and is defined as an attitude of kindness and understanding toward oneself, which involves taking a nonjudgmental attitude toward one's imperfections, limitations, and failures (Neff, 2003). Although self-compassion has been conceptualized as a construct that is important to one's overall sense of self, it might be also be relevant to more specific self-perceptions, including one's perception of the body. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of body self-compassion for young adult women who exercise and to discover the essential structure of the women's experiences. An empirical phenomenological methodology (Giorgi, 1997; Giorgi & Giorgi, 2003) was employed; five Canadian women between the ages of 23 and 28 participated in this study. Each woman participated in an individual interview in which they were asked to describe two instances where they experienced body self-compassion. Five essential structures emerged from these interviews: (1) appreciating one's unique body, (2) taking ownership of one's body, (3) engaging in less self-comparison, (4) importance of others, and (5) self-compassion as a dynamic process. A follow-up focus group discussion provided the women with the opportunity to offer feedback on the essential structures. This study is unique in a number of ways. First, this study demonstrates that self-compassion might be conceptualized in terms of specific self-perceptions, in this case, one's perception of the body. Second, the women's stories shed light on the complexity of the self-compassion construct, highlighted by the notion of self-compassion as a dynamic process. Third, the essential structures that emerged in this study suggest that an understanding of self-compassion may promote women's positive attitudes toward their bodies. Further research should test the generalizability of the essential structures that emerged in this study to other populations of women exercisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]