The relationship between body image and mental health among male athletes engaged in official competitions: using simple linear regression
MEFTI Abd Elmounaim, CHAFAA Amina, BERROUDJ Kamel, KOUADRI Rana
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between body image and mental health among male athletes engaged in official competitions, using simple linear regression analysis. The study sample consisted of 139 male athletes who were selected from various official sports events. Standardized and validated instruments were employed: a body image scale to assess athletes’ perceptions and attitudes towards their bodies and a mental health scale covering dimensions such as severe depression, anxiety and insomnia, psychosomatic health, and social functioning. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between body image dimensions and mental health indicators, with the total body image score showing a moderate positive correlation with overall mental health (r = .46, p < .01). Simple linear regression results indicated that body image significantly predicted mental health outcomes, accounting for approximately 21% of the variance (R² = .208, F (1,137) = 36.02, p < .001). These findings suggest that more positive body image is associated with better mental health among competitive male athletes. Based on these results, sports organizations and mental health professionals should implement targeted interventions to enhance body image perception among athletes, which may contribute to improved psychological well-being and performance. Keywords: body image, mental health, athletes, simple linear regression, competitive sports
Keywords
References
Agnus Susan Thomas, Jithin Shaji Varghese,
Neha Mary Abraham, Neni Beena Mathews,
& Prinsha Rajan. (2022). Body Image and
Social Interaction Anxiety among
UndergraduateStudents. International Journal
of Engineering Technology and Management
Sciences, 6(5), 516–522.
https://doi.org/10.46647/ijetms.2022.v06i05.
080
Aysha, G., Ahmad, N., & Umair, M. (2024). Body
Image Dissatisfaction is the Predictor of
Social Physique Anxiety and Self- Esteem.
Journal of Policy Research, 10(3), 117–122.
https://doi.org/10.61506/02.00326
Bender, A. M., & Lambing, K. A. (2024). A
practical guide to improve sleep and
performance in athletes. International Journal
of Sports Science & Coaching, 19(1), 476–
487.
https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231201105
Berengüí, R., Angosto, S., Hernández-Ruiz, A.,
Rueda-Flores, M., & Castejón, M. A. (2024).
Body image and eating disorders in aesthetic
sports: A systematic review of assessment
and risk. Science & Sports, 39(3), 241–249.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2023.03.006
Capaldi, C. A., Varin, M., & Dopko, R. L. (2021).
Determinants of psychological and social
well-being among youth in Canada:
Investigating associations with
sociodemographic factors, psychosocial
context and substance use. Health Promotion
and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada,
41(2), 39–47.
https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.41.2.02
Chartrand, A., Lavoie, É., Lemay-Langlois, A., &
Richard, M.-C. (2020). Effets de l’utilisation
d’instagram sur l’insatisfaction corporelle des
jeunes femmes. Psycause : Revue
Scientifique Étudiante de l’École de
Psychologie de l’Université Laval, 10(2), 5–
6.
https://doi.org/10.51656/psycause.v10i2.4076
4
Dara Gati Mustikaning, S., Siti, M., Erni, H., &
Muya, B. (2022). Pengaruh Body Image
Terhadap Kepercayaan Diri Siswa. Jurnal
Konseling Gusjigang, 8(1), 99–106.
https://doi.org/10.24176/jkg.v8i1.8019
Gualdi-Russo, E., Rinaldo, N., & Zaccagni, L.
(2022). Physical Activity and Body Image
Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic
Review. International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health,
19(20), 13190.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013190
Hamzaoui, Z. (2016). Body Image among SchoolAttending Adolescents and Its Relationship
with Self-Esteem. Cultural Dialogue, 5(1),
195–203.
https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/102133
Jankauskiene, R., Baceviciene, M., &
Trinkuniene, L. (2020). Examining Body
Appreciation and Disordered Eating In
Adolescents of Different Sports Practice:
Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal
of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 17(11), 4044.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114044
Jiménez-Morcillo, J., Ramos-Campo, D. J.,
Rodríguez-Besteiro, S., & Clemente-Suárez,
V. J. (2024). The Association of Body Image
Perceptions with Behavioral and Health
Outcomes among Young Adults. Nutrients,
16(9), 1281.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091281
Kuzu, A., Ergöl, Ş., & Parasiz Aslantürk, G.
(2022). THE EFFECT OF BEAUTY
SERVICES ON WOMEN’S STRESS AND
BODY IMAGE. Karya Journal of Health
Science, 3(1), 13–17.
https://doi.org/10.52831/kjhs.1014262
Langlois-Pelletier, N., Verret, C., & Massé, L.
(2020). Facteurs de risque et de protection de
l’anxiété de performance des élèves athlètes
adolescents: Une revue narrative. Revue de
Psychoéducation, 49(2), 237–257.
https://doi.org/10.7202/1073995ar
Li, L., Jing, L., Liu, Y., Tang, Y., Wang, H., &
Yang, J. (2023). Association of Mindfulness
with Perfectionism, Exercise Self-Efficacy,
and Competitive State Anxiety in Injured
Athletes Returning to Sports. Healthcare,
11(20), 2703.
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11202703
Liu, D., Tian, Y., Liu, M., & Yang, S. (2025). The
Impact of Physical Exercise on Sleep Quality
Among College Students: The Chain
Mediating Effects of Perceived Stress and
Ruminative Thinking. Psychology Research
and Behavior Management, Volume 18, 361–
373. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S510207
2025, Vol. 15, e110039 Revista Intercontinental de Gestão Desportiva
11
Lucibello, K. M., Sabiston, C. M., Pila, E., &
Arbour-Nicitopoulos, K. (2023). An
integrative model of weight stigma, body
image, and physical activity in adolescents.
Body Image, 45, 1–10.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.01.003
Lundqvist, C., Asratian, A., & Dahlström, Ö.
(2023). General lifestyle factors explain
young athletes’ mental health more than
perceived coach autonomy support: A crosssectional study on basketball players and
gymnasts aged 10–22. BMJ Open Sport &
Exercise Medicine, 9(3), e001648.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001648
McManama O’Brien, K. H., Rowan, M.,
Willoughby, K., Griffith, K., & Christino, M.
A. (2021). Psychological Resilience in
Young Female Athletes. International Journal
of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 18(16), 8668.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168668
Mo, Q. L., & Bai, B. (2023). Height
dissatisfaction and loneliness among
adolescents: The chain mediating role of
social anxiety and social support. Current
Psychology, 42(31), 27296–27304.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03855-9
Muharram, R., Zahara, C. I., & Amalia, I. (2023).
Hubungan Body Image dengan Kecemasan
Sosial Pada Dewasa Awal. Jurnal Psikologi
Terapan (JPT), 3(2), 56.
https://doi.org/10.29103/jpt.v3i2.8880
Mustafa, G., Haseenullah, Mehreen, S., & Khan,
M. I. (2023). Effects of a 12-week Aerobic
Workout Program on the Stress and Cortisol
Levels in Male Adults. Pakistan Journal of
Humanities and Social Sciences, 11(2).
https://doi.org/10.52131/pjhss.2023.1102.057
4
Nabilah Rizki Utami Haryono, & Nugraha, S.
(2023). Pengaruh Body Image dan Perilaku
Diet Terhadap Hasil Performa Atlet Senam di
Jawa Barat. Bandung Conference Series:
Psychology Science, 3(2), 1026–1033.
https://doi.org/10.29313/bcsps.v3i2.9435
Ouyang, Y., Wang, K., Zhang, T., Peng, L., Song,
G., & Luo, J. (2020). The Influence of Sports
Participation on Body Image, Self-Efficacy,
and Self-Esteem in College Students.
Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 3039.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03039
Paduch-Jakubczyk, W., Dubińska, M., Bilska, W.,
Ciułek, U., Dobosz, A., Zduńczyk, W., &
Żydek, A. (2024). The Role of Exercise in
Improving Sleep Quality Across Sleep
Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.
Quality in Sport, 22, 54532.
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.22.54532
Puthucheary, Z., Skipworth, J. R. A., Rawal, J.,
Loosemore, M., Van Someren, K., &
Montgomery, H. E. (2011). Genetic
Influences in Sport and Physical
Performance: Sports Medicine, 41(10), 845–
859. https://doi.org/10.2165/11593200-
000000000-00000
Putri, M., & Aprianty, R. A. (2023). BODY
DISSATISFACTION, KECEMASAN
SOSIAL PADA REMAJA PEREMPUAN.
Jurnal Psikologi Wijaya Putra (Psikowipa),
4(2), 57–65.
https://doi.org/10.38156/psikowipa.v4i2.105
Rice, K., Prichard, I., Tiggemann, M., & Slater,
A. (2016). Exposure to Barbie: Effects on
thin-ideal internalisation, body esteem, and
body dissatisfaction among young girls.
Body Image, 19, 142–149.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.09.005
S, Rajashri., S, Hanshini., & Gajalakshmi, Dr. S.
(2023). ASSOCIATION OF BODY IMAGE
AND MENTAL HEALTH OF
ADOLESCENTS. IARJSET, 10(7).
https://doi.org/10.17148/IARJSET.2023.1075
3
Shen, B., Ma, C., Wu, G., Liu, H., Chen, L., &
Yang, G. (2023). Effects of exercise on
circadian rhythms in humans. Frontiers in
Pharmacology, 14, 1282357.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1282357
Soulliard, Z. A., Kauffman, A. A., FittermanHarris, H. F., Perry, J. E., & Ross, M. J.
(2019). Examining positive body image,
sport confidence, flow state, and subjective
performance among student athletes and nonathletes. Body Image, 28, 93–100.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.009
Taskia, E., Mulyana, D., & Erawan, B. (2022).
Pengaruh Positive Self Concept Sebagai
Upaya Menumbuhkan Rasa Percaya Diri
Atlet Bola Voli Pada Saat Bertanding. Jurnal
Kepelatihan Olahraga, 14(2), 97–103.
https://doi.org/10.17509/jko-upi.v14i2.47612
Tossici, G., Zurloni, V., & Nitri, A. (2024). Stress
and sport performance: A PNEI
multidisciplinary approach. Frontiers in
Psychology, 15, 1358771.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1358771
Wadi, A. A. (1999). The Effect of Excessive Qat
Consumption on the Mental Health of
University Students in the Republic of
Yemen [Unpublished Master’s Thesis].
College of Education, Ibn Rushd, University
of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
Metti, Chafaa, Berroudj & Kouadri 2025, Vol. 15, e110039
12
Webb, M. D., Melough, M. M., Earthman, C. P.,
Katz, S. E., & Pacanowski, C. R. (2024).
Associations between anthropometry, body
composition, and body image in athletes: A
systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology,
15, 1372331.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1372331
Zartaloudi, A., Christopoulos, D., Kelesi, M.,
Govina, O., Mantzorou, M., Adamakidou, T.,
Karvouni, L., Koutelekos, I., Evangelou, E.,
Fasoi, G., & Vlachou, E. (2023). Body
Image, Social Physique Anxiety Levels and
Self-Esteem among Adults Participating in
Physical Activity Programs. Diseases, 11(2),
66. https://doi.org/10.3390/dis
Submitted date:
05/23/2025
Accepted date:
07/17/2025
