Resistance training as a context for body image development in women: An integrated theoretical and empirical perspective
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In this dissertation, the associations among resistance training, body image, and body-related self-conscious emotions in women were examined, with a focus on the psychological mechanisms through which resistance training may support body image development. Across three studies, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches were employed to explore these relationships in young adult women aged 18 to 40 years. Study 1 (N = 400) tested an integrated and theoretically informed model linking engagement in resistance training with body appreciation, functionality appreciation, physical self-perceptions (e.g., perceived strength, confidence in physical abilities), and body-related self-conscious emotions (shame, guilt, embarrassment, envy, authentic and hubristic pride). The path model findings generally supported the hypothesized associations, indicating that greater resistance training engagement was associated with higher positive body image and physical self-perceptions, and these positive indicators were associated with lower levels of negative self-conscious emotions and higher levels of pride. While informative, this study did not explore different types and modalities of resistance training. Study 2 (N = 153) was designed as a mixed methods study to examine differences in women’s body image experiences across four resistance training modalities: Bodybuilding, Strength Sports, CrossFit, and General Health. Quantitative results indicated that all groups reported higher positive than negative body image. While no statistically significant group differences emerged after correcting for multiple comparisons, descriptive patterns from both quantitative and qualitative data suggested that Strength Sports participants reported more negative body image than other groups. Qualitative findings revealed that resistance training can foster functionality appreciation, physical empowerment, and body confidence, while also presenting challenges such as appearance pressures, social comparison, and internalized performance standards. To extend these analyses and identify the contextual and psychological mechanisms associated with resistance training environments, a critical realist framework and focus group methodology was used in study 3 (N = 22) to explore how resistance training environments support or hinder women’s body image. Through mechanism mapping, five contextual features were linked to key mechanisms of change: inclusive social modeling, beginner-friendly instruction, low-surveillance space design, process-oriented training climates, and counter-messaging to gendered body ideals. These features activated mechanisms including increased self-efficacy, reduced body-related self-consciousness, functionality appreciation, authentic pride, and social belonging. Collectively, findings from this program of research advance theoretical and practical understanding of how women’s resistance training can foster more empowered relationships with the body and inform the development of resistance training-based interventions and coaching practices that prioritize psychological well-being.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Marashi, Maryam Yvonne
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7139561032