Thesis (M.A.)--Ball State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Dec. 14, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. [30]-34).

This study was designed to explore the effects of high school sport participation on female adolescent body image and self-esteem. This study also explored differences in body image and self-esteem among upperclassmen and underclassmen. The sample consisted of two adolescent female groups: 47 athletes (20 upperclassmen and 27 underclassmen) and 34 nonathletes (18 upperclassmen and 16 underclassmen). All participants took the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and a Demographic Questionnaire. All data were analyzed by conducting t-tests. Results indicated nonathletes had significantly higher scores on body image avoidance than athletes, and underclassmen had significantly higher scores on body image avoidance than upperclassmen. There were no significant differences found on the self-esteem measure. Implications for research and practice are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Although more women are successfully breaching the social, economic and political barriers that can prevent them from participating as electoral candidates, few women campaign for elected office. A dearth of female candidates may be understandable, given research demonstrating that women tend to avoid competition and competitive environments. Thus, elections – competitive by design – may attract fewer women than men. This thesis posits that the inherent competitiveness of electoral politics may deter women from campaigning for office. However, this work also forwards that competitive sport socialization during adolescence may prepare women for electoral competition. This paper examines the results of a self-administered survey mailed to 449 female candidates for municipal office. The survey investigated candidates’ adolescent experiences in competitive sports and attitudes relating to internal political efficacy. The results appear to demonstrate a strong correlation between competitive sport socialization and either positive or neutral evaluations of political competition. / x, 163 leaves ; 29 cm