Third- , fourth-, and fifth-grade children who had participated for one or more years in a coeducational physical fitness program were given the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Females consistently performed as well or better than males at the same grade level. (CJM)

Examines the influence of significant others on continuing involvement in sport by 376 female Canadian secondary school students. Finds that the socializing influence of parents and peers accounted for 11 percent of the variance in intramural activity, 20 percent of the variance in interschool sport, and 10 percent of the variance in…

Examination of 106 female high school athletes and nonathletes revealed that athletes experienced significantly higher levels of role conflict than nonathletes. However, role conflict was not related to gender role orientation or type of sport. Overall, levels of perceived and experienced role conflict were low. (Author/BJV)

Investigated how gender-consistent and -inconsistent portrayals of athletes would affect people's perceptions. College students read fictitious newspaper articles that focused on either a male or female Olympic athlete's physical attractiveness or athleticism. Respondents had neither favorable impressions of nor liked articles about female and…

Survey of 165 high school and college female athletes revealed the following: (1) high school subjects tend to emulate another female player; (2) of those who perceived a difference between male and female coaches as role models, high school students preferred a female coach, and college students preferred a male coach. (Author/BJV)

Uses the Bem Sex Role Inventory to compare the sex role orientations of male and female collegiate athletes. Results indicate no significant differences for team sports players, but higher femininity scores for females in individual sports. (FMW)