Internal And Social Assets, Weight-Based Bullying, Sport, And Activity Among Female Adolescents

Sara (Espinoza) Kaja co-authored a paper in Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal. Their paper explored psychological and social benefits of sport participation among girls with high weight status. Despite facing frequent bullying about their weight, girls with high weight status can and do play sports. The authors found that these female athletes have more positive self-perceptions and stronger social relationships than girls who do not play. The authors recommend parents and coaches support all girls to participate in sports: they should focus on how sports can promote self-esteem and friendships, rather than weight loss.