Navigating Change: A Qualitative Research Inquiry into Body Image Perceptions of Dedicated CrossFit Athletes in Pregnancy
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis presents a qualitative study of the pregnancy experiences of dedicated CrossFit athletes in Denmark, aiming to understand how pregnancy affects their body image. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the research attempts to understand the dynamics of the athletic journey in the midst of the dramatic physiological and psychological changes involved in pregnancy. Using online surveys and systematic thematic analysis, the results provide rich insights into their various experiences, challenges, and strategies for coping. Ethical considerations are critical at every stage of the research process, with detailed attention being paid to informed consent, confidentiality and participant autonomy. Apart from ethical matters, the study is driven by an interest in the social dynamics of the CrossFit community, a refusal to accept stereotypes and advocacy for gender equity in sports. The research seeks to empower female athletes with voices and debunk the myths linked to pregnancy and athleticism and thereby, create a more supportive, inclusive environment within the CrossFit community. The scientific rigor is maintained by a strong data collection that includes simple survey instructions and solid thematic analysis techniques. Although the study has limitations in the form of common reliance on self-reported data, and the possible biases of the researcher, it attempts to address these by reflexivity, validation checks, and reporting transparency. On the whole, the thesis offers an important contribution to the area of pregnancy experiences in sports, providing a complex view of the relationship between athleticism, pregnancy, and body image representations. Through the focus on the reality of individuals who are engaged in CrossFit, the research points out the necessity of further investigations and enhancement of this field, which has ramifications for both the athletic performance and overall well-being.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 85
Keywords [en]
Body Image, Pregnancy, Athletes, CrossFit, Body Image Expectations, Copying Mechanisms, Social Comparison
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences Social Sciences Social Psychology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-69320OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mau-69320DiVA, id: diva2:1875137
Educational program
LS Sport Sciences: Sport in Society, Master's Programme
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-08-302024-06-202024-08-30Bibliographically approved