Project – Body Image Perception and Participation in Recreational Physical Activities among Female Undergraduates: A Study of Students of the University of Calabar

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Physical activity is an important component of healthy living and is particularly relevant during the university years when young adults develop habits that may continue into later life. Recreational physical activities include walking, jogging, dancing, aerobics, swimming, sporting activities, cycling, fitness exercises and other forms of movement undertaken during leisure time for enjoyment, fitness, relaxation and social interaction. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) recommends that adults undertake regular physical activity, including 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly, together with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. Regular physical activity is associated with substantial health benefits and contributes to the prevention of several non-communicable diseases. However, university students may experience barriers to adequate participation because of academic demands, sedentary lifestyles, social influences and competing activities.

The university period is also an important stage for the development of physical self-concept and body image. Body image refers broadly to the way individuals perceive, evaluate, think and feel about their physical bodies. It is multidimensional and may involve perceptions of body size, shape, weight, attractiveness, fitness and physical appearance. Body image is influenced by biological, psychological, behavioural, interpersonal and sociocultural factors, meaning that individuals’ perceptions of their bodies may differ substantially from objective measures of physical characteristics (Huguenin et al., 2024). Female university students may be particularly exposed to appearance-related pressures because the transition into adulthood often coincides with increased awareness of physical appearance, peer evaluation, social comparison and expectations concerning culturally valued body shapes. A systematic review of university-student interventions found that body-image concerns are important within this population and that many interventions have specifically focused on female students.

Body image perception can have important implications for women’s participation in physical activity. Recreational exercise may provide opportunities for individuals to improve physical fitness, enhance self-esteem and develop more positive perceptions of their bodies; however, the exercise environment can also make appearance concerns more visible. Female students who feel dissatisfied with their bodies may avoid settings such as gyms, sports grounds, swimming pools, dance classes or other activities where their physical appearance may be observed or evaluated by others. Sabiston et al. (2019), in a scoping review of 210 publications on body image, physical activity and sport, found evidence that negative body image was associated with lower participation in physical activity and sport, while positive body image was associated with greater participation. The authors nevertheless emphasized that the relationship is complex and may operate in both directions, since physical activity itself can also influence body image.

One important psychological dimension connecting body image with participation in physical activities is social physique anxiety. Social physique anxiety describes discomfort or apprehension arising from the perception that one’s physical appearance may be evaluated negatively by other people, particularly in situations where the body is visible or subject to comparison. This concern can be relevant to recreational physical activity because exercise environments frequently involve body exposure, physical performance and interpersonal comparison. Frederick and Morrison (1996) demonstrated that social physique anxiety was associated with exercise-related attitudes, perceived competence and behavioural considerations among university fitness-centre participants. Similarly, Kowalski, Crocker, and Kowalski (2001), in a study of 354 female college students, found significant relationships between physical activity involvement and physical self-perceptions, with perceptions of physical conditioning emerging as an important predictor of physical activity participation. These findings suggest that the way young women perceive their physical bodies and abilities can influence their willingness to engage in recreational activity.

The relationship between body image and physical activity is not necessarily negative because recreational physical activity can also improve how women perceive and experience their bodies. Exercise may provide experiences of physical competence, strength, endurance, enjoyment and mastery that extend beyond appearance-based goals. For example, an experimental study involving young women with pre-existing body-image concerns found that both aerobic and strength-training interventions could improve aspects of body image, while aerobic training produced greater reductions in social physique anxiety in that particular study (Prichard & Tiggemann, 2008). Similarly, research comparing yoga and resistance exercise among university women found improvements in body satisfaction and reductions in social physique anxiety following exercise classes, with particularly favourable changes following yoga (Cox et al., 2016). More recent evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of movement-based interventions among girls and women also indicates that interventions targeting movement and body image can produce improvements in body-image outcomes, although the magnitude and durability of effects vary.

Among university students, the interaction between body image and physical activity is particularly important because recreational participation may be shaped not only by health motives but also by appearance-related motives. Some students may participate in exercise because they enjoy movement, social interaction or improved fitness, whereas others may exercise primarily to lose weight, alter body shape or meet perceived standards of attractiveness. When exercise becomes strongly appearance-driven, students may experience dissatisfaction, anxiety or pressure rather than enjoyment and health benefits. Conversely, physical activity undertaken in supportive and non-judgmental environments may promote physical self-worth and positive body perceptions. A systematic review of physical activity and body image among university students found that both variables were closely relevant to students’ well-being and that changes in physical activity were accompanied by changes in perceptions of body image among university populations.

The Nigerian and specifically University of Calabar context provides an important basis for investigating this relationship. Ogunjimi, Akpan, and Ikorok (2014) examined physical-exercise utilization among students of tertiary institutions in Cross River State and reported that although most respondents demonstrated high knowledge of the health effects of physical activity, their level of participation was low. More recently, Ahueansebhor and Eyam (2025) specifically examined sociocultural implications for female participation in sport among students of the University of Calabar. Their study involved female students across departments of the University and found that culture and family factors significantly influenced female students’ participation in sport. In addition, recent research at the University of Calabar has examined aerobic dancing among female undergraduates, demonstrating continuing scholarly interest in physical activity and health among female students at the institution.

The University of Calabar provides a suitable setting for examining body image perception and participation in recreational physical activities because it has a large undergraduate student population and offers programmes across numerous academic disciplines. The University’s official information indicates that it provides undergraduate programmes across more than 15 faculties and has a substantial student population, creating a diverse environment in which students may have different experiences of physical activity, body image, peer influence and recreational opportunities. Although previous research has examined physical activity, sports participation and sociocultural influences among students in Calabar, there remains a need to examine specifically how female undergraduates’ perceptions of their bodies relate to their participation in recreational physical activities. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the relationship between body image perception and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Participation in recreational physical activities is important for the physical, psychological and social well-being of university students. Despite the established health benefits of regular physical activity, evidence suggests that participation among tertiary students can remain inadequate. Ogunjimi, Akpan, and Ikorok (2014), in their study of tertiary students in Cross River State, found that students possessed considerable knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity but nevertheless demonstrated low levels of participation. This suggests that knowledge of the benefits of physical activity alone may not be sufficient to ensure regular participation. Personal, psychological, social and environmental factors may determine whether students translate knowledge into actual recreational activity.

For female undergraduates, body image may constitute one of the psychological factors that influence participation. Students who are dissatisfied with their body size, weight, shape or physical appearance may feel uncomfortable participating in activities where their bodies are visible to others. Concerns about being judged, compared or ridiculed may discourage some female students from using recreational spaces, sports facilities, fitness centres or participating in group-based activities. Research involving female college students has demonstrated relationships between physical self-perceptions and physical activity involvement, while research on social physique anxiety has shown that concerns about physical evaluation can be relevant to women’s experiences in exercise settings (Kowalski et al., 2001; Frederick & Morrison, 1996).

The problem is further complicated by the fact that recreational physical activity itself may have different implications for body image. While regular exercise can improve fitness, body satisfaction and physical self-perceptions, participation motivated primarily by weight loss or appearance concerns may also expose students to social comparison and pressure concerning their bodies. Evidence from exercise interventions suggests that physical activity can improve body-image outcomes, but the effects depend on the type of activity, the context and the psychological experiences associated with participation (Cox et al., 2016; Prichard & Tiggemann, 2008). Thus, it cannot simply be assumed that female students with negative body perceptions will either participate more in exercise to change their bodies or avoid exercise completely. The direction and strength of the relationship require empirical investigation.

Although studies have been conducted on female sports participation and physical activity among students of the University of Calabar, there is limited evidence specifically addressing body image perception as a factor associated with participation in recreational physical activities among the University’s female undergraduates. Ahueansebhor and Eyam (2025) established that sociocultural factors such as culture and family significantly influence female students’ participation in sport at the University of Calabar, while earlier research reported generally low physical-activity participation among tertiary students in Calabar. However, these studies do not directly establish how female students’ perceptions of their body size, shape, attractiveness, physical fitness and appearance-related concerns are associated with their participation in recreational physical activities. The absence of such evidence creates a contextual and empirical gap that this study intends to address among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between body image perception and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. examine the level of body image perception among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar;
2. determine the level of participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar;
3. examine the relationship between body satisfaction and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates;
4. determine the relationship between perceived body attractiveness and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What is the level of body image perception among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar?
2. What is the level of participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar?
3. What relationship exists between body satisfaction and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates?
4. What relationship exists between perceived body attractiveness and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between body image perception and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be significant to female undergraduates because it will provide greater understanding of how perceptions of their bodies may influence their willingness to participate in recreational physical activities. Understanding the relationship may encourage students to adopt healthier perspectives that emphasize physical health, fitness, enjoyment and well-being rather than excessive concern about appearance.

The study will also be useful to the authorities of the University of Calabar. Findings may assist university administrators, student-affairs personnel and relevant departments in developing recreational programmes that are welcoming and psychologically supportive for female students. Such programmes may help reduce barriers associated with body dissatisfaction, embarrassment and fear of physical evaluation.

The study will be relevant to lecturers and professionals in Human Kinetics, Health Education, Physical Education, Psychology and related disciplines. It will provide empirical information that may contribute to teaching, counselling and intervention strategies relating to body image, physical activity and healthy lifestyles among young adults.

Health educators and counsellors may also benefit from the findings. Where body dissatisfaction or appearance-related anxiety is found to be associated with reduced participation, counselling and health-promotion programmes may be designed to encourage positive body perceptions and healthy engagement in physical activities.

The study will be useful to sports and recreation coordinators within the University of Calabar. The findings may assist them in designing activities that are attractive, inclusive and comfortable for female students, including recreational activities that do not excessively emphasize appearance or competitive performance.

Parents and families may also benefit indirectly from the findings because family attitudes have been shown to influence female students’ participation in sport in the University of Calabar context (Ahueansebhor & Eyam, 2025). Greater awareness of the psychological and social factors surrounding female participation may encourage more supportive attitudes toward recreational physical activity.

Finally, the study will contribute to the existing literature on body image and physical activity among university students, particularly within the Nigerian context. It may serve as a reference for future researchers investigating body image, social physique anxiety, physical activity, sports participation, female health and recreational behaviour among university populations.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on body image perception and participation in recreational physical activities among female undergraduates of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

The study will specifically examine aspects of body image perception such as:

• body satisfaction;
• perceived body attractiveness;
• perception of body size and shape;
• perception of physical fitness; and
• appearance-related anxiety.

The study will examine participation in recreational physical activities such as:

• walking and jogging;
• aerobic exercise;
• dancing;
• recreational sports;
• fitness exercises;
• swimming;
• cycling; and
• other leisure-time physical activities.

The study will be restricted to female undergraduate students of the University of Calabar and will not focus on male undergraduates, postgraduate students, staff or residents outside the university.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Body Image: The individual’s mental, emotional and evaluative perception of his or her physical body, including perceptions of body size, shape, weight, attractiveness and physical condition.

Body Image Perception: The way female undergraduates perceive, evaluate and feel about their physical appearance, body size, shape, attractiveness and physical condition.

Body Satisfaction: The degree to which an individual is content with the appearance, size, shape and physical characteristics of her body.

Female Undergraduates: Female students who are officially enrolled in undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Calabar.

Participation: The extent to which an individual takes part in an activity, measured in this study by factors such as frequency, duration and regularity of involvement in recreational physical activities.

Physical Activity: Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, including exercise, sports, walking, dancing and other forms of movement.

Recreational Physical Activities: Physical activities undertaken during free or leisure time primarily for enjoyment, relaxation, social interaction, fitness and health rather than as compulsory academic or occupational activities.

Social Physique Anxiety: Feelings of discomfort, apprehension or concern arising from the belief that other people may negatively evaluate one’s physical appearance.

Body Attractiveness: An individual’s subjective perception of how attractive or appealing her physical appearance is.

Appearance-Related Anxiety: Concern or distress associated with how one’s physical appearance may be perceived, evaluated or judged by other people.

1.9 Organisation of the Study

The study will be organised into five chapters. Chapter One will present the introduction, background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions, research hypothesis, significance of the study, scope of the study, operational definition of terms and organisation of the study.

Chapter Two will review relevant literature under conceptual review, theoretical review and empirical review. It will examine concepts related to body image, body satisfaction, social physique anxiety, recreational physical activity, female participation and the relationship between body image and physical activity.

Chapter Three will present the research methodology. It will discuss the research design, area of the study, population of the study, sample and sampling technique, instrument for data collection, validity and reliability of the instrument, method of data collection and method of data analysis.

Chapter Four will present the data analysis and results of the study. The research questions and hypothesis will be addressed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Chapter Five will provide the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations. Suggestions for further studies will also be presented.

Project – Body Image Perception and Participation in Recreational Physical Activities among Female Undergraduates: A Study of Students of the University of Calabar