Social physique anxiety is a type of anxiety where someone is worried that other people will judge their body (Hart et al., 1989). This can happen if someone thinks they don’t look good enough or if they’re afraid of what others might say about their body (Hart et al., 1989) People with this type of anxiety may try to control their body through things like diet or exercise (Petty & Mack, 2019). This anxiety can affect anyone, and does not seem to be more common in people who play sports. However, those who play sports may be more likely to suffer serious consequences if they do experience social physique anxiety (Lanfranchi et al., 2015).
Hart, E. A., Leary, M. R., & Rejeski, W. J. (1989). The mea- surement of social physique anxiety. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 11, 94104.
Lanfranchi, M., Ma ̈ıano, C., Morin, A., & Therme, P. (2015). Social physique anxiety and disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors in adolescents: Moderating effects of sport, sport- related characteristics, and gender. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 22, 149160.
Petty, L., & Mack, D. E. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
