Environmental factors are considerations that arise as a result of a person’s surroundings. Some environmental psycho-social factors that may affect women & girls in sport & physical activity are:

• the social climates (both positive & negative) surrounding physical activity & sport, as established by parents, coaches, leaders, educators & peers (e.g., promoting cooperation, addressing conflicts, approaches to managing intra-team competition)
• the presence of stress or anxiety-provoking conditions (e.g., social physique anxiety / body on display; selection procedures & assessments; stress related to trying to overcome participation barriers)
• moral reasoning & attitudes towards fair play
• the extent to which a family, educational, physical activity or sport environment is linked to gender identity, addresses homophobia, respects diversity, & is welcoming
• matters of vulnerability, security or safety (real &/or perceived)
• potential links between physical activity & sexuality (e.g. suggestive uniforms & training/workout apparel; culturally stereotyped media coverage of active & athletic women that emphasize femininity & heterosexuality, including sexually suggestive poses in sport settings)
• the value of gender equity within society.