Freedson, Patty S., Mihevic, Patricia M., Loucks, Anne B., Girandola, Robert
N. "Physique, Body Composition, and Psychological Characteristics of Competitive
Female Body Builders". The Physician and Sportmedicine. 1983. Vol.11 Pgs. 85-93.
Body composition and Psychological characteristics of ten competitive female
body builders were examined. Psychological testing included a battery of 5
psychological inventories.
"Psychologically, competitive female body builders were found to be somewhat
less anxious, neurotic, depressed, angry, and confused and more extraverted,
vigorous, and self-motivated than the general population. This psychological
profile reflects positive mental health and is remarkably congruent with the
psychological profile of elite male athletes. These data are consistent with the
viewpoint that positive mental health is associated with competitive athletic
success."