Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(4), pp. 928 - 941
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130429
Reprint (PDF) (830Kb)
Association of Body Image and Psychological Pressures in Competitive Sports: A Systematic Review of Different Sports, Gender, and Competitive Levels
Oman Sukmana *, Agus Rianto , Ilham Kauli , Salmin , Laily Hasanah , Sri Susanti , Fritz Hotman Syahmahita Damanik
Doctoral Program of Sociology, Directorate of Postgraduate Programs, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Athletes often experience significant psychological pressures related to body image, influenced by sport-specific ideals, societal expectations, and internalized perfectionism. These factors can lead to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and adverse mental health outcomes. This systematic review aims to assess the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with body image among athletes across different sports, genders, and levels of competition, and to examine the psychological pressures experienced in competitive sports. A secondary aim is to synthesize empirical findings on how these pressures influence athletes' mental well-being and identity formation. A systematic search was conducted across multidisciplinary databases, including Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024 that explored the intersection of body image and psychological pressures in sports. A total of 38 studies were reviewed. The study selection process followed PRISMA guidelines and included a quality assessment of each study. Findings revealed that body image dissatisfaction is prevalent among both male and female athletes, though with sport- and gender-specific variations. Psychological pressures stem from coaching practices, media influence, competition demands, and peer comparisons. These pressures are linked to anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, and burnout. The review highlights the need for cultural and institutional reforms that shift the athletic narrative from external appearance to health and performance.
KEYWORDS
Body Image, Athletes, Psychological Pressure, Body Dissatisfaction, Competitive Sports, Mental Health
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Oman Sukmana , Agus Rianto , Ilham Kauli , Salmin , Laily Hasanah , Sri Susanti , Fritz Hotman Syahmahita Damanik , "Association of Body Image and Psychological Pressures in Competitive Sports: A Systematic Review of Different Sports, Gender, and Competitive Levels," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 928 - 941, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130429.
(b). APA Format:
Oman Sukmana , Agus Rianto , Ilham Kauli , Salmin , Laily Hasanah , Sri Susanti , Fritz Hotman Syahmahita Damanik (2025). Association of Body Image and Psychological Pressures in Competitive Sports: A Systematic Review of Different Sports, Gender, and Competitive Levels. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(4), 928 - 941. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130429.