A Qualitative Investigation of the Relationship Between Supplementary Fitness Training and Perceptions of Body Image in Cruise Ship Performers / Jenna Chin (2019)

Body image is a pervasive topic in the dance community than can negatively impact dancer wellbeing. Research has indicated fitness training can improve perceptions of body image in the general population. However, it is unclear whether the same relationship exists for dancers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the relationship between supplementary fitness training and perceptions of body image in the female cruise ship performer population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine female ship performers and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three key themes emerged from the data: the impact of the environment, perceptions of body image, and the role of supplementary fitness training. Participants expressed a need to maintain or conform to a ship-specific body type. Supplementary fitness training had both performance and psychological benefits for the women and was seen as essential to performance and for the environment. Further research is warranted to explore this relationship in male cruise ship performers. Additionally, future research should consider the use of quantitative methods in order to establish validity in this unique population.