Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Mark Eys

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Although mixed-gender dyadic sport events have become increasingly prominent at both professional and amateur levels, most research in sport has been limited to same-sex or coach-athlete dyads. Further, a predominant focus on white, male-centric prototypes in sport psychology necessitates the integration of cultural praxis, incorporating cultural diversity and intersectionality to better understand diverse sport contexts such as mixed-gender dyads in different national contexts (Ryba et al., 2024). Taken together, the purpose of the current study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of athletes participating in mixed-gender dyadic sports across different cultural contexts. Seventeen athletes from Canada (n = 8; 4 women) and South Korea (n = 9; 5 women), representing a variety of dyadic sports (e.g., synchronized diving), participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Template analysis (King, 2016) was undertaken to analyze participants’ responses to questions pertaining to group dynamics, the challenges and benefits of being a member of a mixed-gender sporting dyad, and the characteristics of successful mixed-gender partnerships. The analysis yielded several categories related to gendered experiences within mixed-gender dyads, including: (a) individual and environmental characteristics (e.g., physicality, personality, game dynamics); (b) mixed-gender partnership functioning (e.g., role expectations, strategies, cohesion); and (c) outcomes of mixed-gender sport dyads (e.g., personal growth, partnership termination). Participants reported challenges (e.g., gender stereotypes, limited involvement) and benefits (e.g., increased confidence, greater sense of inclusion), and identified factors associated with successful mixed-gender partnerships (e.g., communication, empathy, and understanding). Overall, these findings highlight how individuals’ intersecting identities (e.g., gender, culture) and group environment (e.g., dyads) shape group dynamics within mixed-gender sport dyads while also offering insights into gender-informed approaches to fostering successful mixed-gender partnerships.

Convocation Year

2027

Convocation Season

Spring

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Available for download on Wednesday, January 06, 2027

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