Types of Body Negativity in Sports: Negativity From Non-Athlete Peers

                                

Although any athlete can experience negativity from peers about their bodies, teenage athletes are some of the most vulnerable. While bodily insecurities are usually dubbed as “part of growing up” for most teenagers, negative comments from peers about their appearances can only make matters worse, and much more serious.

Why does this happen? Although there are very few professionally written articles about the topic, here may be several reasons: 

• Have a lack of interest/understanding of the sport 

• Harbor Feelings of jealousy (ex. own body image issues, lack of opportunities to play the sport, jealousy towards athlete’s high performance, etc.) 

• Accidentally say something harmful that they do not intend

A concept that both athlete and peer should understand is that: Everyone leads a different life (and that’s okay!) This can mean that the non-athlete peer’s comments are most likely rooted in fundamental lifestyle differences (or potentially the peer’s feelings of insecurity/jealousy), and are not informed/rooted in facts or logic.

Some steps to possibly take are: 

1. Understand that you and the peer do not lead the same life; they just may not understand.
2. Stand up for yourself if you are able. 
3. If you are unable, consider consulting a trusted adult.

Remember: It is never too late to communicate your feelings of discomfort/hurt to another person! And communicating is not  “uncool”, which seems to be a common issue for teenagers. 

If you are the one making comments, think:

• What is the reason for you making this comment? 

• Would you want this to be said to you? 

• Does it really matter to you/the athlete?

If the answer is “no” to any of the questions above, simply do not make the comment! If you have a question about the athlete’s sport or their experience in the sport (that you think can be phrased in a careful, respectful way!) and the athlete seems receptive to questions, go ahead! 

The big takeaway: Just because an athlete’s (or anybody’s) physical attributes are the result of something that you do not recognize, understand, agree with, etc., Does not require you to make hateful comments about them.

Source:

1. Google Images