The Relationship between Body Image and Self-Esteem in Female Latin and Ballroom Dancers

Abstract

The purpose of this present study was to use quantitative methods to explore the relationship between body image and self-esteem in female Latin and Ballroom dancers. A secondary purpose was to provide normative values for the two constructs within this sample. 28 participants (M = 20.21, SD = 1.72) from two dance schools completed Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and the Body Shape Questionnaire. Normative values illustrated Latin and Ballroom dancers to have moderate body image concerns (M= 90.7), yet normal levels of self-esteem (M=18.4). Examination of the relationship revealed self-esteem to be a strong predictor of body image (p <.005), with the variables showing a significant negative correlation (-.54, p <.01). Consequently, the study demonstrated that as levels of self-esteem decrease, increases in body image concerns will be witnessed in female Latin and Ballroom dancers. Practical implications of the findings, strengths and weaknesses of the study, and recommendations for the direction of future research were also included.