Important Adolescent Information

BODY IMAGE PERCEPTIONS OF FEMALE ADOLESCENT VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Deborah Rhea, Ph.D.
(Published in 1998 Spring Sidelines and 1998 May Power Tips)

A growing trend exists among adolescent females to become more involved in extreme dieting behaviors and extensive exercise (Sundgot-Borgen, 1994). This trend is often associated with body image and self-esteem. As coaches, we have the influence to change this trend. The purpose of this article is to identify some of the important issues surrounding female adolescents' body image and provide guidelines in the volleyball sport setting that will enhance continued growth of sport in the lives of female volleyball athletes.

Psychological impact of puberty

As adolescent females reach puberty and start to develop secondary sex characteristics (e.g., breasts, broader hips), their bodies begin to have a higher percentage of fat and their self-concepts begin to diminish. Consequently, studies have shown that adolescent females are generally more negative about their bodies and are concerned with physical beauty and maintaining an ideal, thin shape (as identified by media and societal images) (Gill, 1995). Studies also report that females spend a great deal of time worrying about how other people will respond to them (Greif & Ulman, 1982). Generally speaking, adolescent females are most concerned about being too tall or too fat, and many well-proportioned young girls may compensate for perceived physical inadequacies by slouching, wearing baggy clothes, or trying a seemingly endless number of fad diets. Individuals with warped body images and the associated low self-esteem lay the groundwork for weight preoccupation and disordered eating.

Body image and Volleyball athletes

Volleyball athletes may exceed what is considered an acceptable level of training because of the competitive nature of the sport. The number of injuries incurred, i.e., stress fractures, knee and ankle injuries, and/or menstrual dysfunction may determine the fine line between what is an acceptable or destructive level of training. Female volleyball athletes demonstrate unhealthy attitudes and use unhealthy weight-loss methods (e.g., excessive exercise, starvation, diet pills) more often than clinically diagnosed eating disorders. Unfortunately, the quest for the ideal body for increased success may drive some volleyball players to dangerous extremes.

Coach influence over athletes

Coaches are in important positions of influence and power over girls in sport (Shisslak & Crago, 1992). Controversial training methods such as verbal abuse can result in extensive physical and emotional damage to adolescent females. Ryan, a sports journalist, has reported that sometimes girls are called "fat cows" by the coaching staff. Athletes have reported derogatory statements made by coaches such as "your hips are too big - lose some weight" or "you'll be quicker on the front line if you lose weight". Athletes have also reported that coaches supported extreme measures such as vomiting before practice or fasting over time to enhance performance. Not surprisingly, these athletes begin to get a distorted view of what they should (and do) look like. It is incumbent upon coaches to use their influence wisely in the best interest of the athletes, rather than for personal glory or gain.

Athletes are changing:

Many female athletes are creating a new definition of what a girl or woman can look like and still be considered successful. Salima Davidson, Allison Weston, Val Sterk, and Karrie Downey, all strong, powerful, explosive, and tall, are very successful National Volleyball team athletes, but more importantly, have been able to use their strength and height to demonstrate success through diverse body images. Athletes such as these are redefining female role models for adolescent girls. Identifying the capabilities and successes of female athlete role models will promote diverse body images and build confidence in female youth for participating in physical activity. It is important for female adolescents to recognize that participants with bodies of different sizes and shapes can be successful and that their future success is not dependent upon becoming thin and small.

Coaching applications for quality volleyball programs:

In order to strengthen the chances of recruiting and retaining adolescent volleyball athletes as we approach the 21st century, the following six steps are recommended for coaches.

1. Teach athletes how to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Physical fitness is the ability to perform daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies. Cardiovascular endurance cross-training activities such as running, walking, swimming, and cross-country skiing are excellent for increasing fitness.

2. Teach athletes how to care for their bodies.

Many female athletes feel that they have to abuse their bodies, i.e., diet, starve, overtrain, to achieve success in volleyball. Communicate on a regular basis that eating well-balanced meals, getting the proper sleep each night, and training in moderation is the key to success. The coach can communicate messages inadvertently by not saying anything. For example, if an athlete tells you that she is throwing up after practice every day and you don't respond, you may be telling her it is alright to maintain that behavior.

3.The athletic program should be based on the maturation level of participants.

Junior high programs should allow all females who want to participate in volleyball the opportunity. The program should be developmentally appropriate, i.e., pre-adolescent programs should be geared toward skill development and progressively move to a highly competitive program at the college and professional levels. Athletes will potentially reach their best performance levels after the age of 21.

4. The program should emphasize enjoyment and participation.

Skill development and a positive experience are a heritage that students can take with them after graduation. Athletics should be a springboard for promoting physical activity for the rest of the athletes' lives. If the program creates a negative experience, then the sport and the athlete suffer. The athlete may view physical activity negatively and the sport will lose another potential athlete.

5. Coaches need to highlight the positives associated with puberty.

Adolescents may begin to grow taller and will have increased levels of body fat. Coaches should emphasize that going through puberty is an essential part of life. Motor performance may falter for a time as they go through the process, but by the time they reach their junior or senior level in high school, performance levels should increase.

6. Coaches should monitor the types of remarks made about weight and appearance.

Some coaches make decisions about the need for weight control in their athletes on the basis of appearance rather than more objective indicators such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or coronary heart disease (Griffin & Harris, 1996). Simple remarks such as "get the lead out", "you eat more than I do - that will make you fat", or "you are a perfect little girl" can lay the groundwork for weight preoccupation and disordered eating. Avoid using the words perfect, little, petite, fat, and diet. These are all negative connotations to an adolescent female.

References

Gill, D. L. Gender issues: A social-educational perspective. In S. M. Murphy (Ed.), Sport Psychology Interventions. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. 1995. pp. 205-234.

Greif, E. B. & Ulman, K. J. The psychological impact of menarche on early adolescent females: A review of the literature. Child Development. 53, 1413-1430. 1982.

Griffin, J. & Harris, M. B. Coaches' attitudes, knowledge, experiences and recommendations regarding weight control. The Sports Psychologist. 10 (2), 180-194. 1996.

Ryan, J. Little girls in pretty boxes: The making and breaking of elite gymnasts and figure skaters. New York: Doubleday. 1995.

Shisslak, C. M., & M. Crago. Eating disorders among athletes. In R. Lemberg (Ed.), Controlling eating disorders: With facts, advice and resources. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press. 1992. pp. 29-36.

Sundgot-Borgen, J. Risk and trigger factors for the development of eating disorders in female elite athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 26 (4), 414-419. 1994.

Additional Assistance on Nutrition

As a coach, you play an important part in the lives of your players. Take a moment to review some of the following materials that contain information about nutrition.

Coaching Volleyball (formerly AVCA handbook) published by Master's Press

Science of Coaching Volleyball by former USA men's national team head coach Carl McGown

Complete Guide to Volleyball Conditioning approved by the Sports Medicine and Performance Commission

Sports Injury Concerns publication provided by The Women's Sports Foundation.