Analysis of the relationship between physical education majors' perceptions of their body shape and fatphobia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether body shape perceptions and fat phobia differ according to the gender and year of study of PE teacher candidates. In addition, the study aims to investigate the possible relationship between actual and ideal body shape perceptions and fatphobia. Methods: The study involved a total of 141 PE teacher candidates. The participants’ mean age was 21.45 (±1.93) years (M female = 21.08 ± 1.56, M male = 21.73 ± 2.14). Data was collected using a Demo-graphic Information Form, a Fatphobia Scale, and a Figure Rating Scale. The Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between female and male teacher candidates’ levels of fatphobia. In contrast, there was a significant difference between their perceptions of current and ideal body shape. The results also showed that there was no difference between the perceived levels of fatphobia and the perceived current and ideal body shapes of the Grade Level 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year PE teacher candidates. The findings revealed a lack of a statistically significant relationship between fatphobia and current body image and between fatphobia and ideal body image. Conclusion: As a result of the research, the fact that PE teacher candidates are moderately fatphobic, perceive themselves to be overweight, and idealize thinness to a higher degree than men has provided critical insights for educational policymakers.