Sports participation and self-esteem : the role of floorball in women’s lives

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate the relationship between sports participation and self-esteem, through analyzing the role that floorball plays in competitive female floorball players’ lives. In addition, parental support, identity salience and external stress were identified as potential moderators of this relationship. Exposure to sports at an earlier age and self-esteem was also explored. A sample of 15 competitive floorball players were interviewed. Results showed an association between participating in sports and self-esteem but found no difference between those who started sports since young and those that did not. Those who have more experience playing floorball generally had higher floorball self-esteem than those with less experience. This current study also found that parental support had no moderating effects, but identity salience and external stress were moderators. Lastly, recommendations to enhance women’s overall self-esteem are provided.