Jean Bilard

Age and gender effects on global self-esteem and physical self-perception in adolescents.

This study measured the effects of gender, age and their interaction on global selfesteem and physical self-perceptions (physical self-worth, PSW; physical condition, PC; physical strength, PS; attractive body, AB; sport competence, SC) of French adolescents. Global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self-perceptions were measured by the Physical Self Inventory. Participants were 605 adolescents assigned to groups on the basis of gender (males vs females) and age (from 11 to 16 years). Significant age, gender and interaction differences in the ratings were analysed using a two-way MANOVA design. An age effect was found on the GSE, PSW and AB scales and a gender effect was found on GSE and all physical self-perception scales. We found no interaction (age gender) effect. We discuss the separate effects of gender and age on GSE and physical self-perceptions in adolescents, as well as the lack of interaction effect.

Motives for illicit use of doping substances among athletes calling a national antidoping phone-help service: an exploratory study.

This study aimed to construct a hierarchy of motives linked to doping behaviors. Between 2000 and 2005, calls to a national antidoping phone-help service by 115 cyclists, 203 bodybuilders, and 40 footballers were analyzed. The results showed that the main motives were preserving health for cyclists, increasing muscular strength for bodybuilders, and personal recreation for footballers. However, in contrast to the literature, group influence was low and health preoccupations were high for cyclists; the influence of body image was relatively low for bodybuilders; and footballers cited muscular strength enhancement as a motive. The studys limitations are noted. The prevention campaigns therefore need to be specific.

Bodily transition out of elite sport: A one‐year study of physical self and global self‐esteem among transitional athletes

Abstract Sports career termination implies a transition during which ex‐elite athletes face social, professional, and bodily changes and adjustments. This study evaluated the repercussions of the bodily transition and adjustment process on physical self and global self‐esteem. Athletes (n =16) in transition following the Sydney Olympic Games were compared with active elite athletes (n =16) four times during the first post‐career termination year using the Physical Self Inventory (Ninot, Delignieres, & Fortes, 2000). The results revealed that perceived physical condition, physical self‐worth, and global self‐esteem decreased during the first six months of transition out of elite sport. This stage of crisis was followed by a period of increase in these dimensions, as well as in perceived sports competence and physical strength, illustrating an adjustment to new bodily references. Transitional athletes presented lower global self‐esteem, physical self‐worth, perceived physical condition, sports competence, and physical attractiveness than active elite athletes, because of decreased training and social recognition of the “performing body.”

Repercussions of transition out of elite sport on body image.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychological repercussions of transition out of elite sport from a bodily point of view. We hypothesized that the passage from a bodily over-investment to a more sedentary state would have an effect on body satisfaction. 16 Transitioning Athletes following the Sydney Olympic Games were compared with 16 Active Athletes two times during the transition period using the Body-Image Questionnaire of Bruchon-Schweitzer. Qualitative data in the form of interviews provided a complement to the quantitative data. Analysis yielded no significant differences 1 1/2 mo. after career termination between the two groups but showed a decrease in body satisfaction between 1 1/2 and 5 mo. after career termination for Transitioning Athletes, with a significant between-group difference at 5 mo. The Transitioning Athletes initially reported weight gain and uncertainty about their real physical capacities but also a continued social recognition that maintained body satisfaction. Over time, however, they were increasingly aware of this bodily deterioration, as ongoing exercise served as a reality test. Added to this were perceived decreases in social value as well as disturbing somatic manifestations. The result was a substantial effect on body satisfaction.

Effects of Alternated Basketball Competition on Perceived Competence in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities Over a Period of 13 Months: A research note

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alternated (segregated and integrated) basketball competition on two domains of perceived competence and on general self-worth. Participants were 24 adolescent males with intellectual disabilities divided equally into three groups: (a) those involved in basketball in an alternated sport competition, (b) those involved in adapted physical activity, and (c) those who were sedentary. The experimental treatment lasted for 13 months. For the sport competition group this involved 2 hr of training each week and 12 competitive meets. We administered Harters (1985) Self-Perception Profile for Children 13 times to determine changes in perceived competence and general self-worth. The results indicate no significant changes for the different groups in the two domains of perceived competence and in general self-worth over 13 months.

Understanding Appearance-Enhancing Drug Use in Sport Using an Enactive Approach to Body Image

From an enactive approach to human activity, we suggest that the use of appearance-enhancing drugs is better explained by the sense-making related to body image rather than the cognitive evaluation of social norms about appearance and consequent psychopathology-oriented approach. After reviewing the main psychological disorders thought to link body image issues to the use of appearance-enhancing substances, we sketch a flexible, dynamic and embedded account of body image defined as the individual’s propensity to act and experience in specific situations. We show how this enacted body image is a complex process of sense-making that people engage in when they are trying to adapt to specific situations. These adaptations of the enacted body image require effort, perseverance and time, and therefore any substance that accelerates this process appears to be an easy and attractive solution. In this enactive account of body image, we underline that the link between the enacted body image and substance use is also anchored in the history of the body’s previous interactions with the world. This emerges during periods of upheaval and hardship, especially in a context where athletes experience weak participatory sense-making in a sport community. We conclude by suggesting prevention and intervention designs that would promote a safe instrumental use of the body in sports and psychological helping procedures for athletes experiencing difficulties with substances use and body image.