Social media contributing to poor body image among teenaged athletes, associated with dropping high school sports 

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Lisa Black, 630-626-6084, lblack@aap.org 

Tom McPheron, 630-626-6315, tmcpheron@aap.org  

 Adam Alexander, 630-626-6765, aalexander@aap.org 

Washington, D.C.— High school sports participation sets boys and girls up with healthy habits that can lead to healthier lives, and body image issues caused by social media may be contributing to teenagers making the decision to quit, according to research presented during the 2023 AAP National Conference & Exhibition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.   

Researchers who wrote the abstract, “The Effects of Body Image, Social Media and Gender Roles on Sports Attrition,” surveyed 70 current or past athletes, ages 8-18, in local athletic organizations or from sports medicine clinics. Researchers found that many teenagers were quitting because they felt they “didn’t look right for the sport” based on images seen in media and social media.  

“The benefits of youth sports participation are numerous and uncontested. Motor competence in children is positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and a healthy weight status,” said lead study author Cassidy M. Foley Davelaar, DO, FAAP, CAQSM, Nemours Children's Health, Florida Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Physician, associate professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and medical provider of the United States Tennis Association. “Negative body image and poor self-esteem affect physical activity in a similar way to poor perception of skills.”  

Some of the reasons that the 70 teenagers surveyed reported for quitting sports were poor body image from social media comparisons, coaching, and competitive pressure. Body image concerns were slightly less common among the boys than the girls. The study found that 44% of males thought they looked better than the ideal and 46% of females thought they looked worse than the ideal. Approximately 70% of children will drop out of sports by age 13 years, and girls drop out of sports at a rate two times greater than that of boys.  

“In the surveys, women tend to be a bit more unhappy or uncomfortable with their body image than men. I believe this means we need to look critically at the messages we are sending female athletes as to what an athlete looks like to be more inclusive, body positive and realistic. Why are there not real athletes modeling sports clothes and why are only the top athletes seen in images?" Dr. Foley Davelaar said. “We need to demonstrate to these younger generations a more diverse, inclusive and imperfect image of what it means to be athletic in order to invite them into that world. With this study, we hope to shed light on the real reasons for sports attrition to keep more kids involved.”  

Dr. Foley Davelaar is scheduled to present her research, which is below, from 3:35 PM – 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, during session H3020. To request an interview with the author, contact Jennifer Reardon at Jennifer.Reardon@nemours.org or 302-300-2257.  

In addition, Dr. Foley Davelaar is among highlighted abstract authors who will give a brief presentation and be available for interviews during a press conference from noon-1 p.m.  Saturday, Oct. 21 in the National Conference Press Room, 102AB. During the meeting, you may reach AAP media relations staff in the press room.  

Please note: only the abstract is being presented at the meeting. In some cases, the researcher may have more data available to share with media, or may be preparing a longer article for submission to a journal.    

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org. Reporters can access the meeting program and other relevant meeting information through the AAP meeting website at http://www.aapexperience.org/ 

ABSTRACT 

Program Name: AAP National Conference & Exhibition  

Submission Type: Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness  

Abstract Title: The Effects of Body Image, Social Media and Gender Roles on Sports Attrition 

Cassidy Foley Davelaar  

Orlando, FL, United States  

Participation in sports helps children develop healthy dispositions and behaviors that carry over into adulthood. However, despite the benefits, 70% of children will drop out of sports by age 13 years. By age 14 years, girls drop out of sports at a rate two times greater than that of boys. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of body image, social media, gender and cultural bias, injury, Covid-19 and other influences on sports attrition.  

Survey questions were adapted from validated surveys and validated prior to distribution. Responses were obtained from current or past athletes, 8-18 years of age, in local athletic organizations or from sports medicine clinic.  

There was a 97% survey response rate (70/72). Quantitative self-reported data was analyzed using statistical analysis and qualitative data was analyzed through participants' free-text responses. Qualitative responses indicated the number one reason for sports attrition was coaching. Quantitative responses indicated more females than males quit, secondary to the competitiveness of the sport (35.5% vs 10.3%). There was a 65% correlation between those who answered, ‘I definitely agree’, to ‘I often compare my ability to play sports based on what I see on social media’, also marked yes to the question they have not joined a sport (chi-squared p< 0.001) (Table 1). Results indicated significant statistical correlation between screen time, physical activity, and body image. Participants who were less confident in their athletic abilities also ranked themselves as “less fit” on the body image silhouette scale than they perceived an athlete would be (Table 2). Covid-19 was not a main factor of sports attrition.  

The top reasons for sports attrition were poor body image from social media comparisons, coaching, and competitive pressure. Based on the results, parental understanding of the coach’s impact on youth’s interest in sports is paramount and ensuring coaches have appropriate certifications and training may significantly influence participation. Body dissatisfaction due to social media is a major issue currently facing our generation. Healthy discussions regarding exposure and body image in social media should be had in households as they play an integral role in a child’s decision to participate in sports. Inclusionary discussions and mental health concerns must be addressed. Coaches of female athletes must understand how to motivate a team without creating too much competitive pressure. As we returned to activities post Covid-19, most athletes returned as well. By identifying underlying causes of sports attrition, we hope to influence the atmosphere of youth sports, and bring joy and participation back to the game.