O3273: The Effects of Body Image, Social Media and Gender Roles on Sports Attrition

Background: Participation in sports helps children develop healthy dispositions and behaviors that carry over into adulthood. However, despite the benefits, 70% of children will drop out of sports by age 13 years. By age 14 years, girls drop out of sports at a rate two times greater than that of boys. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of body image, social media, gender and cultural bias, injury, Covid-19 and other influences on sports attrition.

Methods: Survey questions were adapted from validated surveys and validated prior to distribution. Responses were obtained from current or past athletes, 8-18 years of age, in local athletic organizations or from sports medicine clinic.

Results: There was a 97% survey response rate (70/72). Quantitative self-reported data was analyzed using statistical analysis and qualitative data was analyzed through participants' free-text responses. Qualitative responses indicated the number one reason for sports attrition was coaching. Quantitative responses indicated more females than males quit, secondary to the competitiveness of the sport (35.5% vs 10.3%). There was a 65% correlation between those who answered, ‘I definitely agree’, to ‘I often compare my ability to play sports based on what I see on social media’, also marked yes to the question they have not joined a sport (chi-squared p< 0.001) (Table 1). Results indicated significant statistical correlation between screen time, physical activity, and body image. Participants who were less confident in their athletic abilities also ranked themselves as “less fit” on the body image silhouette scale than they perceived an athlete would be (Table 2). Covid-19 was not a main factor of sports attrition.

Conclusion: The top reasons for sports attrition were poor body image from social media comparisons, coaching, and competitive pressure. Based on the results, parental understanding of the coach’s impact on youth’s interest in sports is paramount and ensuring coaches have appropriate certifications and training may significantly influence participation. Body dissatisfaction due to social media is a major issue currently facing our generation. Healthy discussions regarding exposure and body image in social media should be had in households as they play an integral role in a child’s decision to participate in sports. Inclusionary discussions and mental health concerns must be addressed. Coaches of female athletes must understand how to motivate a team without creating too much competitive pressure. As we returned to activities post Covid-19, most athletes returned as well. By identifying underlying causes of sports attrition, we hope to influence the atmosphere of youth sports, and bring joy and participation back to the game.