Abstract:
The purpose of this meta-analytic investigation was to review the empirical evidence
specific to the effect of physical activity context on social physique anxiety (SP A).
English language studies were located from computer and manual literature searches. A
total of 146 initial studies were coded. Studies included in the meta-analysis presented at
least one empirical effect for SPA between physical activity participants (i.e., athletes or
exercisers) and non-physical activity participants. The final sample included thirteen
studies, yielding 14 effect sizes, with a total sample size of 2846. Studies were coded for
mean SPA between physical activity participants and non-physical activity participants.
Moderator variables related to demographic and study characteristics were also coded.
Using Hunter and Schmidt's (2004) protocol, statistical artifacts were corrected. Results
indicate that, practically speaking, those who were physically active reported lower levels
of SPA than the comparison group (dcorr = -.12; SDeorr.-=-;22). Consideration of the
magnitude of the ES, the SDeorr, and confidence interval suggests that this effect is not
statistically significant. While most moderator analyses reiterated this trend, some
differences were worth noting. Previous research has identified SPA to be especially
salient for females compared to males, however, in the current investigation, the
magnitude of the ES' s comparing physical activity participants to the comparison group
was similar (deorr = -.24 for females and deorr = -.23 for males). Also, the type of physical
activity was investigated, and results showed that athletes reported lower levels of SP A
than the comparison group (deorr = -.19, SDeorr = .08), whereas exercisers reported higher
levels of SPA than the comparison group (deorr = .13, SDeorr = .22). Results demonstrate
support for the dispositional nature of SP A. Consideration of practical significance suggests that those who are involved in physical activity may experience slightly lower
levels of SPA than those not reporting physical activity participation. Results potentially
offer support for the bi-directionality of the relationship between physical activity and
SP A; however, a causality may not be inferred. More information about the type of
physical activity (i.e., frequency/nature of exercise behaviour, sport classificationllevel of
athletes) may help clarify the role of physical activity contexts on SPA.
