Examining Correlates of Disordered Eating among Collegiate Athletes and Non-Athletes
Major
Health Promotion & Fitness Management
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Health, Psychology
Expected Graduation Date
2023
Location
CNS E102 2.2 Healthcare and Mental Health
Start Date
4-15-2023 10:30 AM
End Date
4-15-2023 11:30 AM
Abstract
Body image dissatisfaction is a risk factor for disordered eating and psychological distress and is disproportionately experienced by women. Being an athlete may further impact how women experience body and eating concerns. Studies show that athletes are more likely to be satisfied with their bodies than non-athletes (Chapa, et al., 2022; Varnes et al., 2013), but they may have similar or even higher rates of disordered eating (Chapa et al., 2022; Scott, Haycraft, & Plateau, 2019). Disordered eating includes restrictive food choices, binge eating, rule-based eating, and excessive and harmful efforts to burn or expel calories. Compared to non-athletes, athletes are more likely to engage in excessive and compulsive exercise (Flatt et al., 2020), especially individuals who endorse having a strong ‘athletic identity’ (Turton et al., 2017). Compulsive exercise puts athletes at greater risk for an energy imbalance (i.e., low energy availability; Kuikman et al., 2021) and injuries (Lichtenstein et al., 2017). In order to better understand the experiences of women and athletes, we gathered data from young adults on the topics of body image, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, psychological distress, food preferences and injuries. We will examine the responses from women and make comparisons based upon athlete status.
Examining Correlates of Disordered Eating among Collegiate Athletes and Non-Athletes
CNS E102 2.2 Healthcare and Mental Health
Body image dissatisfaction is a risk factor for disordered eating and psychological distress and is disproportionately experienced by women. Being an athlete may further impact how women experience body and eating concerns. Studies show that athletes are more likely to be satisfied with their bodies than non-athletes (Chapa, et al., 2022; Varnes et al., 2013), but they may have similar or even higher rates of disordered eating (Chapa et al., 2022; Scott, Haycraft, & Plateau, 2019). Disordered eating includes restrictive food choices, binge eating, rule-based eating, and excessive and harmful efforts to burn or expel calories. Compared to non-athletes, athletes are more likely to engage in excessive and compulsive exercise (Flatt et al., 2020), especially individuals who endorse having a strong ‘athletic identity’ (Turton et al., 2017). Compulsive exercise puts athletes at greater risk for an energy imbalance (i.e., low energy availability; Kuikman et al., 2021) and injuries (Lichtenstein et al., 2017). In order to better understand the experiences of women and athletes, we gathered data from young adults on the topics of body image, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, psychological distress, food preferences and injuries. We will examine the responses from women and make comparisons based upon athlete status.