Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1998
Thesis Director
William G. Kirk
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature related to women in athletics with a focus on the psychological perspective. The paper is divided into three major parts.
Chapter I traces the historical antecedents with specific emphasis on the development of sports psychology and women's gradual integration into amateur and professional athletics. Chapter II reviews literature devoted to the psychosocial issues related to the female athlete. These issues include personality traits and patterns, psychosocial problems associated with women entering and maintaining status in athletics, stereotypes, homophobia, socialization issues and the incidence and etiology of eating disorders among female athletes. Chapter III addresses the global issues related to the modern female athlete with a specific focus on professionalism and social acceptance. Recommendations for future research are included which focus on the psychosocial view of the female athlete and the socialization process that provides the backdrop and milieu of contemporary women athletes.
Recommended Citation
Whittington, Dawn A., "The Female Sport Experience: History, Development, and Psychological Implications" (1998). Masters Theses. 1765.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1765
