Social Support and Body Image in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Women.
J Sport Exerc Psychol
; 44(5): 335-343, 2022 Oct 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35894880
ABSTRACT
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.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Social Support
/
Body Image
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Sport Exerc Psychol
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canada