Exploring the Endorsement of Gender Stereotypes and Physical Activity in Young Women

Abstract

Background: Physical behaviors (PBs), defined as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), are consistently less favorable in women than men. Extensive qualitative research has identified gender norms as a well-known barrier to women’s PA, but they have yet to be clearly conceptualized and quantified. The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate the relationship between benevolent sexism endorsement (BSE) and PB, (2) explore women’s experiences with sexism in PA settings, and (3) identify sexism constructs within focus group discussions. Methods: Participants completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (0-5 scale) and wore a hip-worn activity monitor for 7 days. Spearman correlations were calculated between BSE and PB. A 90-minute focus group (n = 4) was transcribed and coded to identify themes and sexism constructs. Results: Participants (n = 20, 20.7 ± 1.3 years) exceeded PA guidelines and reported low BSE scores (1.8 ± 0.76). Weak associations were found between BSE and objectively measured PA (r = −0.19 to r = −0.37) and ST (r = 0.14). Focus group results yielded four themes: (1) Age-Related Decline in PA, (2) Parental Roles, (3) Peer Relationships/Friendships, and (4) Physical Education Teachers/Coaches. Conclusion: As hypothesized, associations between BSE and PA outcomes and SB were negative and positive, respectively. Focus group themes were related to benevolent sexism constructs. Future research should be conducted in larger, more diverse samples and consider other factors that may impact one’s endorsement of benevolent sexism.