Background
The number of women participating in sports is increasing, yet there is a concerning trend in declining mental health among adolescent girls. An unhealthy sports environment can increase the risk of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. During puberty, girls experience particular challenges related to physical changes – such as increased weight and body fat percentage – while boys of the same age tend to develop more muscle mass and strength. A growing societal focus on body image amplifies this pressure, often creating conflicting expectations between the demands of sport and the realities of adolescence.
To address these challenges, the project will develop 12 short films highlighting the biological, psychological, and social issues girls face in sport. The films, mainly targeted toward the girls themselves, will be tested, refined, and evaluated through an intervention involving girls, parents, and coaches. The goal is to provide all participants with insights and tools to foster a healthy and safe sporting environment.
A supportive sports environment that takes into account girls’ specific conditions has the potential to prevent psychosocial problems and promote greater coping skills, well-being, and motivation for continued participation.
The project is part of the research within Sustainable Sport and Performance at the Linnaeus University, in collaboration with Female Inclusion and DEvelopment in Sport (FIDES) at the University of Agder, Kristiansand.
Read more about our research at:
FIDES - Female Inclusion & DEvelopment in Sport
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to improve girls’ well-being and extend their participation in organized sports by increasing knowledge among girls themselves, as well as among their parents and coaches, about the biological, psychological, and social challenges girls often face during puberty when participating in sports.
Project description
Much sports research has focused on boys and men, meaning that much of the existing knowledge and practice in sports has been developed around these groups. This can make it more difficult for girls to reach their full potential and may affect their participation, health, and enjoyment in sport.
To close this knowledge gap, we have developed FIDES ADP, an intervention consisting of 12 digital learning videos addressing topics particularly relevant for girls. The study includes approximately 1,000 Swedish girls aged 13–16, along with their parents and coaches. We examine how the intervention affects the girls’ well-being and experience of sport. In addition, we conduct individual and focus group interviews with the girls to gain deeper insight into their sporting experiences.
The project has been approved by the Swedish Ethics Review Authority (2023-05264-01) and follows the Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, at conferences, in the media, and as part of a doctoral dissertation.
Results
Preliminary findings show that many female athletes have limited knowledge about puberty and the biological, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) changes that accompany it, across different sports. This highlights the need for holistic and interdisciplinary interventions that can provide girls with the knowledge they need to participate, thrive, and develop in sport.
