Clinical Implications

Taken together, the results of this study have implications for not only a better understanding of the role of traditional gender norms in sport, but also for future research into how conformity to gender norms can influence women’s perceptions of body image. An understanding of gen- der norms and contextual pressures to conform to these norms–particularly norms that operate in specific contexts (i.e., sports)– can assist psychologists in helping female athletes navigate the paradoxical societal expectations that ac- company being a woman and being an athlete. Psychologists can facilitate discussions with female student-athletes about the difficulties they might face in their attempts to be perceived as feminine and their attempts to be successful in sport. Addressing this dynamic of “living the paradox” (Krane et al., 2004) as an external societal process–as opposed to an internal flaw within the individual athlete– can empower female student-athletes to develop strategies (e.g., utilize relational resources, reframe what is considered attractive, increase self-confidence) to become more confident, assertive, and comfort- able in their own bodies.
Furthermore, female student-athletes’ unique experiences with gender norms in sport– particularly conformity and nonconformity to traditional masculine and feminine norms– can lead to a variety of costs and benefits related to body image, and the results of this study have implications for clinical practice in this regard. When combined with previous literature (e.g., Hawes, 1999; Thompson & Sherman, 2000,
2009; Thrash & Anderson, 2000; West, 1998), the results of this current study can be used to address important clinical issues (e.g., body im- age, disordered eating, anorexia, bulimia) facing female college students and student- athletes. These issues become especially salient because being thin (or underweight) is often considered the desired norm in society, and within some specific sporting contexts (e.g., cross country, gymnastics; Petrie, 1996). Thus, psychologists can use the results of this study to assist them in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of issues related to body image. Psychologists can help female athletes better understand contributing dynamics (e.g., societal expectations of conformity to gender norms) accompanying their presenting concerns. A better understanding of the nature of their presenting concerns can increase the likelihood of female athletes identifying and using adaptive coping resources, such as cognitive restructuring of gender norm-related cognitive distortions (see Mahalik et al., 2005b), to address clinical concerns arising from societal pressure to conform to gender norms, both masculine and feminine.