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The Transformative Power of Self-Compassion for Women Exercisers

Date

2024-01-04

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0009-0002-2573-8485

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

Awareness of the challenges women face in feeling safe and comfortable in their bodies has grown significantly. Despite this increased awareness, body shame remains a prevalent experience. Research has shown that even brief moments of self-compassion can reduce body shame, decrease the reliance on physical appearance for self-worth, and promote appreciation for one's body as it is. However, understanding how self-compassion influences exercise behaviour and subsequent feelings about the body requires further exploration. My participatory action research study aimed to find ways to emancipate women’s relationship with exercise and their bodies and explore new ways of relating to themselves through movement. I worked with ten participants over three months, through workshops and group discussions. My findings revealed the profound impact of self-compassion in the context of exercise. The research process validated the relevance and pervasiveness of the challenges that exist by inhabiting a woman's body and highlighted the positive impact that results when everyone’s experience can be expressed and held in communion with other women. The findings supported the use of self-compassion concepts to challenge internalized narratives and cultural influences, fostering the courage to make authentic and meaningful changes in exercise beliefs and behaviours by adopting a kind and caring approach to oneself during exercise planning and engagement. Overall, the research revealed that while self-compassion created a space that enabled an alternate worldview, and one that inherently fostered the ability to turn toward oneself with care, the process was greatly enhanced through the group experience, shared vulnerability, resonance, mutuality, and common humanity, all fostering an ability to embrace one’s humanity.

Description

Keywords

self-compassion body shame participatory action research qualitative

Citation

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Department

Kinesiology

Program

Kinesiology

Part Of

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DOI

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