Date of Award
4-2017
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Special Studies: M.S.
Department
Kinesiology
College
School of Health and Human Services
First Advisor
Laura Finch
Second Advisor
Susan Parault-Dowds
Third Advisor
Vincent Miles
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
mirror mirros, men, college, self-efficacy, body-image
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in body self-consciousness and exercise self-efficacy between college males exercising in the presence or absence of mirrors in a general gym atmosphere. It was hypothesized that the presence of mirrors would increase body self-consciousness and increase exercise self-efficacy. The treatment group (n = 15) exercised in an environment where the mirrors had been covered up with dark paper and the control group (n=15) exercised in an environment where the mirrors were present. Body self-consciousness was assessed using the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale OBCS which is comprised of three subscales: body shame, body surveillance and appearance control beliefs. Exercise self-efficacy was assessed using the Self Presentational Efficacy Scale SPES which is comprised of three subscales: efficacy expectancy, outcome expectancy and outcome value. No significant differences were found between treatment and controls groups in body self-consciousness and exercise self-efficacy. Correlations identified that males in a mirror free environment experience an increase in both body shame and body surveillance from Pre-exercise (r=.664) to Post-exercise (r=.845). This suggests that exercise experienced males are engaging in self-reference through some other means than their reflection.
Recommended Citation
DeSpain, Christopher, "Of Mirrors and Men" (2017). Culminating Projects in Kinesiology. 9.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/pess_etds/9
