Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB,Canada.
Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB,Canada.
J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2022 Jul 23;44(5):335-343. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2021-0237. Print 2022 Oct 1.
Physical declines with aging may negatively impact women's body image. Group physical activity can be a source of social support that may improve body image. We examined how social support experienced in group physical activity programs impacts older women's body image. Guided by interpretive description, we interviewed 14 women age 65 years and older who participated in group physical activity classes. Although women experienced both positive and negative body image, body image was generally positively impacted by physical activity. Four themes described social support processes that affected body image in the physical activity context: fitting in and being inspired through identifying with others; what is discussed and not discussed; providing comfort, understanding, and acceptance; and skilled and empathetic interactions with instructors. Understanding how social support in group physical activity can promote positive body image throughout aging can inform practical guidelines for facilitating and improving support in this context.
随着年龄的增长，身体机能的下降可能会对女性的身体形象产生负面影响。集体体育活动可以成为一种获得社会支持的来源，从而改善身体形象。我们研究了集体体育活动项目中所获得的社会支持如何影响老年女性的身体形象。本研究采用解释性描述方法，对 14 名年龄在 65 岁及以上、参加集体体育活动课程的女性进行了访谈。尽管女性的身体形象既有积极的一面，也有消极的一面，但身体形象通常会因体育活动而得到积极的影响。四个主题描述了影响体育活动背景下身体形象的社会支持过程：通过与他人产生共鸣来融入并获得灵感；讨论和不讨论的内容；提供安慰、理解和接受；以及与教练的熟练和富有同理心的互动。了解集体体育活动中的社会支持如何促进整个老年期的积极身体形象，可以为促进和改善这方面的支持提供实践指导。
