We all feel stress, however, we perceive individual stressors in different ways. A certain level of stress is essential for a normal life, as it encourages and motivates us. As long as we are successful and functional in spite of the stress, it can have a positive effect. The issue occurs when there is too much stress. In such cases, stress may lead to various disorders and illnesses. We can respond to stress in different ways, whereby the response depends on numerous factors, such as the nervous system, cognitive functioning, past experiences, personality traits etc.. One of the factors is also the self-image, which is a complex phenomenon, affecting various aspects of our lives. In our daily lives, we operate based on how we see and evaluate ourselves. We do have the possibility to influence stress and self-image. Stress can be managed through various strategies and the self-image can be improved by beating challenges in life or through the change of the lifestyle. It is a common trait of both that they can be influenced by physical activity, as it has numerous positive effects. The purpose of the research carried out among seven female boxers of the Boxing Club Ring in the city of Ptuj was to shed light on their perception of stress and self-image. The research employed the phenomenological methodology with the tool of choice being a partly structured interview, which enabled deeper insight into the life of the female boxers. The analysis of results shed light on seven topics that were common to all participants: a) experiencing stress at home, at work and in school, b) experiencing of stress symptoms, c) coping with stress, d) boxing as a relaxation technique, e) poor self-image and the need to improve it, f) physical self-image as an important aspect of the general self-image and g) effects of boxing on self-image. The participants experience the majority of stress concerning home, work and school. Symptoms of stress manifest mainly in psychological form and are less noticeable in physical form. The participants reported on poor or average self-image and demonstrated a wish to improve it. The self-image is mainly understood as physical self-image and a great significance is ascribed to the physical appearance. The research has shown that boxing has a positive influence on the self-image of the female boxers or particular aspects thereof and may serve as a relaxation and stress symptom reduction technique.
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