Athletic participation and its impact on self-concept, body image, and physical fitness in Saudi female adolescents: a cross-sectional comparison between athletes and non-athletes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical and psychosocial changes that shape adult behavior and personality. In Saudi Arabia, where female sports participation is newly encouraged, this study therefore aimed to explore how athletic participation influences body image perception, including potential discrepancies between self-perception and fitness outcomes, in a context where female participation in structured physical activity has historically been limited but is now being promoted under Vision 2030.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh province from October 2024 to February 2025, involving 439 female students aged 12-18. Participants were recruited from schools in Al Majma'ah city and were categorized as at

SUBMITTER: Alonazi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12681229 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature