Abstract:
It is well documented that, despite recent strategic initiatives and improvements, adolescent girls in comparison with boys
continue to be under represented in sport and physical activity participation. There is widespread popular belief that
successful elite female athletes, such as Susie O'Neill and Cathy Freeman, are influential role models who inspire girls to
participate in sport. According to Bandura's social cognitive theory, role models have always been one of the most powerful
means of transmitting values, attitudes and patterns of thought and behaviour to an observer. This paper challenges the idea
that elite athletes are relevant role models for all teenage girls.
A recent study investigated the role models of teenage girls and the degree to which teenage girls have role models in sport.
Methods used included two focus group interviews and a survey (n=357). Results showed that a relatively small percentage
of girls perceived a sports person to be their role model, with a large percentage of girls nominating a family member or
friend as their role model. Results from the study also supported Lockwood and Kunda's (1999, 1997) notion of domain
relevance and perceived attainability, with the majority of girls describing their role models as older, female and who shared
a similar domain of interest. It is recommended that, as well as elite sport stars, lower profile females such as family and
peers are used as role models for adolescent girls to increase their participation in sport and physical activity.
