Effect of Gender Environment on SPA in Middle School Girls

Background/Purpose: It is well documented that there is a significant decrease in the enjoyment and participation of adolescent females in physical education (PE) classes, beginning during the middle school years. It is suggested that this decrease may be attributed to a general dissatisfaction in the formatting of the class, whether due to a traditional team sport curriculum, and/or a coed gender environment. Adolescent females have reported that single gender classes can decrease feelings of social physique anxiety (SPA), a state of nervousness one experiences when they believe others are judging their bodies, which can lead to a decrease in the willingness to participate. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine changes in SPA of 7^th grade females in single gender and coed PE classes during a circuit training unit. 

Method: Forty-two 7^th grade females from a local junior high school in the Mountain West region of the United States participated in this pilot study. Group one (n=20) participated in a female-only class, while group two (n=22) remained in the school’s traditional coed class format. SPA scores, using the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, were established prior to the intervention. Participants then completed a three week circuit training unit. SPA scores were then collected post-intervention for statistical analysis.

Analysis/Results: A 2 x 2 (group x time) repeated measures factorial analysis was conducted to examine changes in SPA scores. Initial analysis revealed 1) no significant difference between the two groups post intervention and 2) no significant differences between pre and post testing within the two groups. However, a trend was observed with the single gender SPA scores decreasing (9.75%) and the coed scores increasing (8.3%). A Wilk’s analysis revealed a significant difference in SPA changes observed in the single gender group compared to the coed group [Λ=0.895, F(1, 39)=4.56, p=0.039].

Conclusions:  Even with a shortened intervention, a trend was observed that is supported by previous research. Participants in the single gender group did report decreased SPA levels while the coed group showed increased levels. Single gender classes allow females a more comfortable, non-judgmental environment that may lead to increased participation and enjoyment in PE. Several articles have examined single gender versus coed PE classes, but few have examined SPA within a non-team sport curriculum such as circuit training. This study provides a starting point to further examine adolescent SPA in PE.