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Topic

A Study Evaluating the Feasibility of a Self-Compassion Meditation on Body Image in Retired Athletes

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education

Date & location

• Monday, August 18, 2025
• 2:30 P.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Ryan Rhodes, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ (Supervisor)
• Dr. Colette Smart, Department of Psychology, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Shaelyn Strachan, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Leanne Kelly, School of Nursing, UVic

Abstract

Background: Retirement from sport is a major life transition that can result in emotional and psychological distress, particularly regarding body image. Former athletes with strong athletic identities may face heightened vulnerability to negative body image and related psychological difficulties. Despite growing interest in interventions for practicing athletes, body image interventions for retired athletes remain scarce. Self-Compassion meditations have shown to improve self-compassion and body appreciation, as well as decrease body shame, contingencies of self-worth based on appearance, as well as body dissatisfaction in some populations, however no research has studied its effects on retired athletes.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a three-week, 20-minute self-compassion meditation intervention adapted from Albertson et al. (2015) for retired athletes experiencing body image concerns. The primary goal was to assess recruitment, retention, and satisfaction with the intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in self-compassion, body dissatisfaction, body shame, body appreciation, and appearance-contingent self-worth.

Methods: A mixed-methods feasibility trial was conducted with retired athletes who engaged in a 21-day self-guided online self-compassion meditation intervention. 32 participants aged 18+ who had competed in sport at the collegiate, provincial, or national level were recruited. Participants enrolled throughout the recruitment period determined recruitment rate, and the participants remaining at the end of the intervention determined retention rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using ANCOVAs controlling for baseline values to assess exploratory secondary outcomes. Qualitative feedback was assessed through thematic analysis of open-ended responses from the satisfaction survey to assess acceptability.

Results: The study demonstrated highly feasible retention (86.49%), and low recruitment (10 participants/month). Participants who completed the intervention reported improvements in body appreciation (𝑑=0.83) and self-compassion (𝑑=1.43), and reductions in body dissatisfaction (𝑑=−0.54), body shame (𝑑=−1.36), and contingent self-worth based on appearance (𝑑=−0.59). Qualitative themes revealed increased body awareness, positive shifts in self-perception, and high acceptability of the intervention content and format.

Conclusion: The self-compassion meditation intervention appears to be a feasible and acceptable strategy for addressing body image concerns in retired athletes. Preliminary outcomes suggest promising psychological benefits. To better assess its effectiveness and long-term impact, a larger scale randomized controlled trial is warranted. Future research would benefit from employing more objective measurement tools, enhancing recruitment strategies, and increasing sample diversity.