Poster #102 - The Effect of Gender on Mistreatment in Youth Sports

• In Event: Poster Session II (posters 80 – 155)

Abstract

Mistreatment in sports is reportedly a common experience among young athletic participants. However, little is known about this critical issue, and even less is known about the gendered nature of mistreatment in youth sports. This study seeks to provide greater understanding and context to youth sports mistreatment by exploring how sports mistreatment is experienced differently by male and female athletes. Specifically, this study analyzes the impact of gender on (1) the self-reported frequency of mistreatment, and (2) the type of mistreatment experienced. Using survey data obtained from 2,550 adult respondents who reported engaging in formal organized sports as a youth, results indicate that mistreatment is both prevalent and gendered. Males were significantly more likely to report mistreatment of any kind and to indicate the type of abuse as physical while females were more likely to specify discrimination as the type of mistreatment. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender not only in terms of prevalence, but also in how mistreatment is experienced and understood.

Authors

• Kathleen Davis, Northern Arizona University

• Michael T. Costelloe, Northern Arizona University

• Christine L. Arazan, Northern Arizona University