Sport participation is an embodying activity that supports the development of positive body image. Of relevance to sport and exercise psychology, is evidence linking core facets of positive body image, namely body and functionality appreciation, to sport-confidence, a consistent predictor of world-class sport performance. While the Sport-Confidence Model proves valuable for understanding these associations, this framework conceptualizes positive body image (i.e., physical self-presentation) as an appearance-based construct, neglecting the centrality of body functionality in athletes’ body image perceptions. Furthermore, the existing research in this domain underrepresents the experiences of individuals from Africa and its diasporic regions (e.g., the Caribbean). With a focus on the Jamaican and Botswana sport contexts, this two-study dissertation sought to extend the literature by examining core facets of positive body image in relation to sport-confidence and performance, thus, expanding upon the Sport-Confidence Model. Study 1 examined the associations among body and functionality appreciation, trait sport-confidence, and sport performance evaluations. A purposive sample of 314 Jamaican athletes (male = 70.7%; Mage = 22.85; SD = 4.89) participated in this cross-sectional study. Results from path analysis revealed evidence for (1) good model-data fit, (2) positive direct effects from body and functionality appreciation to sport-confidence, (3) positive direct effects from sport-confidence to sport performance evaluations, and (4) positive indirect effects from body and functionality appreciation to sport performance evaluations by way of sport-confidence. The findings of Study 1 highlighted the potential to facilitate sport-confidence and successful performance in Jamaican athletes by supporting their development of positive body image. Study 2 expanded the model assessed in Study 1 to examine the associations among body acceptance by coaches and teammates, body and functionality appreciation, multidimensional sport-confidence (SC; SC-physical skills and training, SC-cognitive efficiency, and SC-resilience), and sport performance evaluations. A purposive sample of 508 Botswana athletes (male = 65.3%, Mage = 25.32, SD = 7.10) participated in this cross-sectional study. Results from path analysis revealed evidence for (1) acceptable model-data fit, (2) positive direct effects from perceived body acceptance by teammates to body and functionality appreciation, with perceived body acceptance by coaches exerting a direct effect only on body appreciation, (3) positive direct effects from body and functionality appreciation to SC-physical skills and training and SC-cognitive efficiency, with only body appreciation exerting a direct effect on SC-resilience, and (4) a positive direct effect only from SC-cognitive efficiency to sport performance evaluations. The findings of Study 2 highlighted confidence in mental skills as important for successful performance in Botswana athletes, alongside promoting body acceptance from coaches and teammates to nurture positive body image and facilitate multidimensional sport-confidence. In conclusion, this dissertation supports extending the Sport-Confidence Model to examine core facets of positive body image in relation to sport-confidence. These findings highlight sport-confidence as an important psychosocial factor contributing to successful performance in Jamaican (i.e., trait sport-confidence) and Botswana athletes (i.e., SC-cognitive efficiency). Furthermore, the findings of this dissertation support the applicability of Sport-Confidence Model predictions to these diverse cultural contexts, endorsing its utility in research, teaching, and practice, and offering valuable insights for advancing the cultural dimensions of sport and exercise psychology.
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