Social Preasures of Being Thin

Aside from the media that glorifies "thinness"; and places such a high value on having the perfect body, female athletes face compounded pressures to be thin from their coaches, parents, peers and judges.
Coaches place extreme pressure on their female athletes. According to Smith (1996), female competitors are expected be assertive and even aggressive, yet have the appearance of sweet little girls. They are expected to be tough competitors&, soft-spoken, and elegant ladies.
It is difficult for adolescent girls, when already going through such a vulnerable time in their life, to resolve these mixed messages that they are receiving, and consequently many female athlete develop disordered eating behaviors.
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