GENDER-ROLE CONFLICT, GENDER-TYPED CHARACTERISTICS, SELF-CONCEPTS, AND SPORT SOCIALIZATION IN FEMALE ATHLETES AND NONATHLETES

Gender role conflict, masculinity, femininity, physical appearance sel f-concept, athletic competence self-concept, body image self-concept, and athletic participation by parents among female athletes and nonath letes were examined in 76 female athletes and 69 female nonathletes (N = 145). Similar to previous research results indicated no significant differences in the gender role conflict of female athletes and nonath letes. Results also indicated that, as predicted, female athletes exhi bited significantly more positive athletic competence self-concept, bo dy image self-concept, and athletic participation by parents than fema le nonathletes. Both participants' body image self-concept and parenta l sport participation were significantly and inversely related to thei r amount of gender role conflict. Implications for differences in the social personality and gender role development of female athletes and nonathletes are discussed.