Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Erik Lind, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kevin Dames, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Kristine Newhall, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study investigated demographic characteristics and measures of personality (dimensions of performance perfectionism and five-factor model characteristics) in women in competitive bodybuilding between 18-25 years old. A total of 24 women completed an online survey which included a demographic questionnaire, the Five Factor Model Rating Form (FFMRF), and the Performance Perfectionism Scale for Sport (PPSS) inventories. Descriptive results for the FFMRF were Openness (18.17±3.12), Conscientiousness (25.58±3.33), Extraversion (19.96±3.46), Agreeableness (19.88±4.58), and Neuroticism (15.67±4.94), and for the PPS-S were Self-oriented performance perfectionism (20.96±3.53), Socially prescribed performance perfectionism (13.96±4.26), and Other-oriented performance perfectionism (10.54±4.23). Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Shapiro-Wilk tests revealed that there were no significant correlations between dimensions of Self-oriented performance perfectionism and the five-factor model personality traits. Socially prescribed performance perfectionism had a significant positive relationship with Neuroticism (r = 0.42, p = 0.04). Other-oriented performance perfectionism had a significant negative relationship with Agreeableness (r = -0.66, p ≤ 0.001) and Openness (r = -0.49, p = 0.03), but a significant positive relationship with Age of athlete (r = 0.49, p = 0.02). Therefore, it could be inferred that young-adult women in bodybuilding are highly conscientious, feel both strongly and critically about their athletic performances (self-oriented perfectionism), and evidence, in general, a positive psychological profile. Those who perceive elevated levels of socially prescribed performance perfectionism may also show av [sic] tendency towards emotional lability. As women in bodybuilding get older, their dimensions of performance perfectionism may shift from self-oriented to other-oriented and become less open to new experiences than their younger counterparts. The five-factor model personality traits offer valuable insight to coaches working with young-adult women in bodybuilding. Taking personality traits and characteristics into account can assist in developing an athlete’s protocol to best suit their tendencies and preferences, communicating critiques, selecting methods of encouragement or recognition, and better connecting with their athletes from a place of understanding. Dimensions of perfectionism can further assist coaches in understanding what motivates their clients, how athletes perceive their performances, or the performances of others within the sport when discussing strategy and protocol for both off-season and preparatory periods.

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