Reading the researcher’s body

This paper draws from a qualitative PhD study in Central Scotland to focus on research participants’ interpretations of my (the researcher’s) body. The research investigated the embodied experiences of health among girls aged 10-14 (P6-S4)1, through discursive spaces of schoolbased physical activity. In three Scottish secondary schools, participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with Physical Education (PE) teachers. Focus groups were conducted with female pupils during PE class. PE staff interpretations of my body are analysed alongside responses from female pupils,
to contribute important research findings.