Nearly 40% of adult Americans report having endured some form of mistreatment related to sports throughout their lives, according to groundbreaking research conducted by a team from The Ohio State University. This alarming statistic sheds light on the multifaceted nature of abuse that can take place in the sporting context, revealing an array of experiences that encapsulate psychological, emotional, physical, and sexual mistreatment. The study reveals that a significant portion of respondents not only experienced one type of mistreatment but rather a disturbing combination of several forms, further complicating the narratives to which these individuals are subjected.
The pervasive nature of sports-related mistreatment extends beyond those who actively engage in organized sports. Intriguingly, even individuals who have never participated in structured athletic activities can recount experiences of mistreatment tangentially connected to sports. Approximately one-third of the participants who reported being mistreated had not played organized sports at all, indicating that the environment surrounding physical activity—such as physical education classes, recess, or informal play—can often set the stage for emotional and psychological abuses. These findings highlight how deeply ingrained and normalized such mistreatment can be in various contexts, affecting individuals regardless of their involvement in competitive sports.
Chris Knoester, a co-author of the study and sociology professor at Ohio State, emphasizes the pervasiveness of this phenomenon, particularly in childhood settings. Many adults reflect on their formative years and recall feelings of humiliation or abuse linked to their athletic experiences in schools. This sentiment underscores a troubling sentiment shared by many who feel disenfranchised by a system that should promote health and camaraderie. Knoester argues that such pervasive negative interactions during formative years may contribute to broader societal issues, suggesting that the culture surrounding sports requires urgent reform.
The study, led by doctoral student Mariah Warner and published in the International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure, utilized data collected from 3,849 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS). This data source, sponsored by Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative, underscores a comprehensive snapshot of sports interactions from diverse populations across all 50 states. Remarkably, the survey was conducted online, allowing participants to openly share their experiences without the immediate societal pressures they might encounter in face-to-face settings.
The findings from this extensive survey reveal that approximately 38% of respondents acknowledged having faced mistreatment during sports interactions. While the survey did not delve into the specific contexts of mistreatment, the prevalence of issues can be linked back to common experiences during school and informal sports engagements. This disheartening observation is vital for understanding the broader implications of mistreatment and abuse, especially as many individuals report that negative experiences occurred outside structured sports environments. It aligns with larger conversations around the need to create safe spaces for youth and adults alike within sports, necessitating a cultural shift that prioritizes well-being over competition.
Among those reporting mistreatment, psychological or emotional abuse was the most frequently cited issue, affecting around 64% of respondents. Additionally, hate speech and discriminatory practices were prevalent, with over a quarter of participants indicating they faced physical mistreatment and around 10% reporting experiences of sexual mistreatment. The breadth and severity of these results challenge commonly held stereotypes that sports are universally beneficial and nurturing environments. Instead, the study illuminates a shadow that hangs over many sports interactions, revealing a need for vigilance and reform in how these spaces foster inclusivity and respect.
A critical aspect of the findings revolves around the identified reasons for mistreatment. Notably, self-reported negative experiences were frequently attributed to factors like weight, with 52% of mistreated respondents citing this as a primary cause. Weight-related stigma often manifests in school settings, where physical education and recreational activities can lead to embarrassment or ridicule. This connection prompts further exploration into how societal attitudes around physique influence behaviors and interpersonal dynamics within sports contexts, suggesting that weight can act as a focal point for discrimination in competitive and non-competitive settings alike.
Beyond weight, additional identified factors contributing to mistreatment included gender (34%), sexual identity (20%), and race or ethnicity (19%). The various dimensions of identity intersect uniquely in the sporting world, creating environments where individuals can feel targeted or marginalized. The findings suggest that individuals who are academically successful yet less athletic may be particularly vulnerable to mistreatment, underscoring how traditional notions of masculinity and athletic prowess can result in bullying or derogatory treatment against those who do not conform to these cultural ideals.
Surprisingly, the study revealed that men and white individuals often reported experiencing sports-related mistreatment more frequently than their peers. This outcome is particularly noteworthy within the broader cultural discourse, as it suggests a counter-narrative against the common assumptions surrounding racial and gender disparities in athletic environments. Interestingly, other research indicates that Black individuals often perceive sports as more culturally positive spaces that foster supportive social interactions, which could explain the lower instances of reported mistreatment in that demographic. This finding not only complicates the discussion around mistreatment but also challenges researchers and activists to rethink approaches to inclusivity and equity in sports.
Despite the revealing nature of the data, Knoester cautions that the study might still underrepresent the true extent of sports-related mistreatment, given that participants were recalling childhood experiences. The inherent biases in self-reporting can lead to underreporting or misremembering, especially in cultures that valorize sports. There exists a potential barrier in participants’ willingness to discuss negative experiences in light of the idealized narratives that often accompany discussions of athletics as inherently positive endeavors. Thus, further research may be necessary to paint a complete picture of the emotional and psychological toll of mistreatment on individuals throughout their lives.
Through this study, Knoester hopes to illuminate aspects of sports that are frequently overlooked or wished away in favor of a more optimistic narrative. As society continues to grapple with the complexities of identity and interpersonal relationships, the examination of sports as a site for both positive and negative interactions takes on added significance. It becomes essential to foster environments that actively seek to confront and dismantle harmful behaviors, promoting understanding and respect within all levels of sport.
As the study results suggest, widespread sports-related mistreatment must not remain a taboo subject. Instead, it calls for open dialogues about the challenges embedded within sports culture. Only through acknowledgment and proactive engagement can transformations occur that prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved, paving the way for a redefined, more compassionate sporting experience across all communities.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Sports-related Mistreatment in the U.S.: Retrospective Recognitions and Connections to Social Structural Locations, Childhood Contexts, and Adult Characteristics
News Publication Date: 1-Feb-2025
Web References: 10.1007/s41978-025-00176-6
References: International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure
Image Credits: N/A
