Intrapersonal Factors

To review, intrapersonal factors are considerations within a person & his or her experience. Women & girls in sport & physical activity are influenced by many intrapersonal psycho-social factors:

  • internalized gender-based & stereotyped beliefs & values about the (in)appropriateness of female participation in sport 
  • perceived enjoyment, fun & satisfaction related to sport & physical activity (whether as a participant/athlete or leader) 
  • self-perceptions of sport or physical activity competence
  • gender differences in decision-making skills, motivation & goal setting
  • motivation
  • confidence to try new things
  • body image & physical appearance (e.g., body weight issues — underweight, overweight & obesity; disordered eating; issues related to feeling comfortable or exposed in workout apparel)
  • priority of personal sport & physical activity pursuit