Psychological predictors of self-presentation concerns in sport

Abstract

This study examined predictors of self-presentation concerns in sport. Two hundred and twenty eight competitive athletes (171 men and 117 women) completed measures of self- presentation concerns, social physique anxiety (SPA), self-handicapping (SH), athletic identity (AI), and perfectionism. SPA and SH were consistent predictors across all but one self-presentation dimension in females. Gender differences were evident in the predictors of different dimensions of self-presentation concern. Parental criticism (a perfectionism dimension) was found to be a predictor in males, whereas concern over making mistakes (a perfectionism dimension) and athletic identity were found to be predictors of females’ self-presentation concerns. Apart from AI, all relationships were positive. Addressing SPA and SH may help athletes to deal with their competitive self-presentation concerns.