Isabella L. Tremonte, Chelsi Ricketts, Roxy H. O’Rourke, Delaney E. Thibodeau, Catherine M. Sabiston

Conceptual clarity provides an unambiguous starting point for any program of study, allowing researchers to select relevant concepts while eliminating redundancy. Yet delineating similarities and differences between concepts is often overlooked. Body image and physical self-concept have been argued to be conceptually similar; both involving self-perceptions of appearance and physical capacities. While the body is central within sport, it remains unclear if both concepts are necessary when examining body-related perceptions among athletes. Using Lawson and Robins’s (2021) sibling construct framework to evaluate the degree of conceptual overlap, this study examined associations between body image and physical self-concept in an athletic sample (N=409; M[SD]age=31.67[9.71] years). Using a cross-sectional online survey, positive (e.g., body appreciation) and negative (e.g., fitness-related shame) body image, as well as domains of physical self-concept (e.g., strength) were measured. Pearson bivariate correlations were conducted to evaluate the degree of conceptual overlap. Results indicated weak to strong, significant correlations between body image and physical self-concept. Significant positive correlations were observed between positive body image and each domain of physical self-concept (rs =.11 to .78). In contrast, negative body image was significantly, negatively correlated with each domain of physical self-concept (rs = -.22 to -.53). Overall, findings suggest a moderate degree of conceptual overlap between body image and physical self-concept indicating that they represent distinct, yet related, concepts. Results highlight the importance of considering both concepts when examining body-related perceptions among athletes. Accordingly, integrative approaches are recommended for refining definitions and providing a clearer foundation for measurement and theory.