A Qualitative Analysis of Female Collegiate Athletes’ Eating Disorder Recovery Experiences

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessyca N. Arthur-Cameselle ◽  
Paula A. Quatromoni
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Recovery Experiences ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Professional Care

The purpose of this study was to characterize recovery experiences of female collegiate athletes who have suffered from eating disorders. Participants were 16 collegiate female athletes who experienced recovery from an eating disorder. Participants told their recovery stories in semistructured interviews regarding factors that initiated, assisted, and hindered recovery. The most common turning point to initiate recovery was experiencing negative consequences from the eating disorder. Factors that most frequently assisted recovery included making cognitive and behavioral changes, supportive relationships, and seeking professional care. Hindering factors most commonly included lack of support from others, professional care complaints, and spending time with others with eating disorders. Results suggested that unique features of the sport environment, including coaches’ behavior and team norms, introduce either positive or negative influences on athletes as they work to recover from an eating disorder. Based on these findings, specific treatment and prevention recommendations for athletes are discussed.

Female Athletes in Retirement: A Test of a Psychosocial Model of Bulimic Symptomatology

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 490-499
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Barrett ◽  
Trent A. Petrie
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Psychosocial Model

Although researchers have examined eating disorders in female athletes, few such studies have been done with athletes who are retired, and even fewer have been quantitative. Thus, the authors empirically tested an established eating disorder theoretical model with 218 former NCAA Division-I female collegiate athletes who had been retired for 2–6 years. In retirement, participants completed measures of general sociocultural pressures related to body and appearance, thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology. Through structural equation modeling, the authors examined the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables while controlling for body mass index and years since retirement. The model fit the data well, supporting the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables and explaining 54% of the variance in bulimic symptomatology. Despite no longer being exposed to sport pressures that contribute to eating disorders, female athletes experience such symptoms long into retirement.

Psychosocial Correlates of Disordered Eating Among Male Collegiate Athletes

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trent A. Petrie ◽  
Christy Greenleaf ◽  
Jennifer E. Carter ◽  
Justine J. Reel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Few studies have been conducted examining male athletes and eating disorders, even though the sport environment may increase their risk. Thus, little information exists regarding the relationship of putative risk factors to eating disorders in this group. To address this issue, we examined the relationship of eating disorder classification to the risk factors of body image concerns (including drive for muscularity), negative affect, weight pressures, and disordered eating behaviors. Male college athletes (N= 199) from three different NCAA Division I universities participated. Only two athletes were classified with an eating disorder, though 33 (16.6%) and 164 (82.4%), respectively, were categorized as symptomatic and asymptomatic. Multivariate analyses revealed that eating disorder classification was unrelated to the majority of the risk factors, although the eating disorder group (i.e., clinical and symptomatic) did report greater fear of becoming fat, more weight pressures from TV and from magazines, and higher levels of stress than the asymptomatic athletes. In addition, the eating disorder group had higher scores on the Bulimia Test-Revised (Thelen, Mintz, & Vander Wal, 1996), which validated the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnosis (Mintz, O’Halloran, Mulholland, & Schneider, 1997) as a measure of eating disorders with male athletes. These findings suggest that variables that have been supported as risk factors among women in general, and female athletes in particular, may not apply as strongly, or at all, to male athletes.

Disorders of the Female Athlete Triad among Collegiate Athletes

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Beals ◽  
Melinda M. Manore
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athlete ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Female Athlete Triad ◽  
Menstrual Irregularity ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Or Team

This study examined the prevalence of and relationship between the disorders of the female athlete triad in collegiate athletes participating in aesthetic, endurance, or team/anaerobic sports. Participants were 425 female collegiate athletes from 7 universities across the United States. Disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and musculoskeletal injuries were assessed by a health/medical, dieting and menstrual history questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Eating Disorder Inventory Body Dissatisfaction Subscale (EDI-BD). The percentage of athletes reporting a clinical diagnosis of anorexia and bulimia nervosa was 3.3% and 2.3%, respectively; mean (±SD) EAT and EDI-BD scores were 10.6 ± 9.6 and 9.8 ± 7.6, respectively. The percentage of athletes with scores indicating “at-risk” behavior for an eating disorder were 15.2% using the EAT-26 and 32.4% using the EDI-BD. A similar percentage of athletes in aesthetic, endurance, and team/anaerobic sports reported a clinical diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia. However, athletes in aesthetic sports scored higher on the EAT-26 (13.5 ± 10.9) than athletes in endurance (10.0 ± 9.3) or team/anaerobic sports (9.9 ± 9.0, p < .02); and more athletes in aesthetic versus endurance or team/anaerobic sports scored above the EAT-26 cut-off score of 20 (p < .01). Menstrual irregularity was reported by 31% of the athletes not using oral contraceptives, and there were no group differences in the prevalence of self-reported menstrual irregularity. Muscle and bone injuries sustained during the collegiate career were reported by 65.9% and 34.3% of athletes, respectively, and more athletes in aesthetic versus endurance and team/anaerobic sports reported muscle (p = .005) and/or bone injuries (p < .001). Athletes “at risk” for eating disorders more frequently reported menstrual irregularity (p = .004) and sustained more bone injuries (p = .003) during their collegiate career. These data indicate that while the prevalence of clinical eating disorders is low in female collegiate athletes, many are “at risk” for an eating disorder, which places them at increased risk for menstrual irregularity and bone injuries.

Prevalence of Disordered Eating: A Comparison of Male and Female Collegiate Athletes and Nonathletes

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D. DiPasquale ◽  
Trent A. Petrie
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Athletic Departments ◽  
Weight Control Behaviors ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes

Eating disorder prevalence rates among athletes vary greatly because of the different ways in which researchers have measured and classified them, and the extent to which they are higher than those found among nonathletes remains unresolved. The present study examined prevalence of eating disorders, body image issues, and weight control behaviors using a valid diagnostic measure. Participants included 146 male and 156 female NCAA Division I student-athletes and a matched sample of 170 male and 353 female collegiate nonathletes. Overall, eating disorder prevalence rates and use of pathogenic weight control behaviors were lower among nonathletes than athletes. Rates for athletes in the current study were lower than previous studies. These findings are likely due to the lack of anonymity the athletes had when completing questionnaires, as data were collected through athletes’ preseason physicals, whereas nonathletes completed questionnaires anonymously over the Internet. Recommendations for athletic departments’ screening for eating disorders are made.

Turning the Corner: A Comparison of Collegiate Athletes’ and Non-Athletes’ Turning Points in Eating Disorder Recovery

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-613
Author(s):  
Jessyca N. Arthur-Cameselle ◽  
Molly Curcio
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Turning Points ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Varsity Athletes ◽  
Professional Treatment ◽  
Collegiate Female Athletes

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify turning points in eating disorder recovery in collegiate female athletes compared to non-athletes. The sample included 12 varsity athletes and 17 non-athlete college students who previously met criteria for Anorexia Nervosa (AN; n = 17); Bulimia Nervosa (BN; n = 3); Binge Eating Disorder (n = 1); or both AN and BN (n = 8). Participants completed individual interviews and responses were analyzed inductively. There was some commonality in the athletes’ and non-athletes’ experiences. For example, the most frequent turning point for both groups was Insight/Self Realization. Regarding the next three most frequent turning points, athletes reported Sport Performance, Confrontation, and Support/Concern from Others, whereas non-athletes reported Professional Treatment, Hitting a Low, and Support/Concern from Others. This study contributes to the sparse literature on competitive athletes’ recovery. Results indicated that athletes’ turning points differed from non-athletes; therefore, findings are discussed concerning athlete-specific treatment recommendations and suggestions for coaches.

How do lean and non-lean female collegiate athletes view the eating disorder education they receive from their coaches?

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrod C Hines ◽  
Whitney L Wendorf ◽  
Alexes N Hennen ◽  
Kelsey L Hauser ◽  
Madeline M Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Education Status

Extant research indicates that collegiate coaches often lack the knowledge or confidence required to provide their student–athletes with effective educational experiences related to eating disorders. The current study investigates the prevalence and quality of such experiences from the perspective of lean and non-lean female student–athletes at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III institution. Participants were asked closed- and open-ended questions in an anonymous online survey. Lean and non-lean participants reported similar rates of education despite differential risk for eating disorders. Approximately 70% of student–athletes expressed a desire for a more comprehensive and long-term program of study. Participants’ confidence in identifying an eating disorder in a peer did not differ based on type of sport or education status, but those who were educated identified more appropriate potential symptoms than did those who were uneducated. This indicates some degree of educational effectiveness. However, education status and type of sport had no bearing on the likelihood of a participant speaking with their coach about their own or a peer’s potential disorder. Educational attempts were therefore insufficient to help student–athletes overcome the shame and consequential secrecy associated with eating disorders. Our results underscore the need for effective education for at-risk student–athletes while also clarifying that both lean and non-lean student–athletes often want to receive more comprehensive education about eating disorders. Current findings highlight specific areas of student–athlete interest about the topic and could be used to help coaches revise their educational efforts to enhance engagement and long-term retention of information.

Analysis of Sport Orientation of Female Collegiate Athletes

1998 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 647-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mel E. Finkenberg ◽  
F. Michael Moode ◽  
James M. DrNucci
Keyword(s):  
Women Athletes ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Sport Orientation

Scores on three subscales of the Sport Orientation Questionnaire were analyzed to assess whether competitive orientation of 40 female athletes differed from that of 36 nonparticipants and whether competitive orientation differentiated among athletes participating in different sports. Intercollegiate women athletes from three sports (basketball = 12; Softball = 16; and volleyball = 12) and a control group of 36 women who did not participate in athletics were respondents. Scores on Win and Competition significantly discriminated among groups. Scores of the control group were significantly lower than those of each group of athletes. No other comparisons were significant.

Collegiate Athletes’ Gendered Perceptions of a Hypothetical Male and Female Coach

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-55
Author(s):  
Lori Rittenhouse-Wollmuth ◽  
Cindra S. Kamphoff ◽  
Jon Lim
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Head Coach ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Head ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Female Coaches

Historically, the world of sport is considered a masculine domain characterized by power, aggression, and physical contact (Hall, 1996). The exclusionary elements of the male culture of sport have created gender inequities in participation (Birrell & Theberge, 1994), and a gendered perception of male and female coaches (Frankl & Babitt, 1998; Weinberg, Reveles, & Jackson, 1984). The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of male and female collegiate athletes of a hypothetical male and female coach, and to determine if female coaches are more accepted compared to Weinberg et al.’s study investigating male and female athletes’ perceptions of a hypothetical coach. The Attitudinal Questionnaire (Weinberg, Reveles, & Jackson, 1984) was utilized to determine athletes’ attitudes about a hypothetical coach. A 2 × 2 MANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the gender of a hypothetical head coach and the gender of an athlete, and a significant main effect for gender. Univariate ANOVA results indicate that males and females differed in their attitudes and perceptions of both a hypothetical male and female head coach. The female athletes, compared to male athletes, were more likely to be accepting of coaches regardless of the coaches’ gender. Furthermore, male athletes were less accepting of female coaches. In addition, when comparing the means of the current study to Weinberg et al.’s (1984) study, results indicate that female coaches were not more accepted than in 1984.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Tools to Detect Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa J. Wagner ◽  
Casey D. Erickson ◽  
Dayna K. Tierney ◽  
Megan N. Houston ◽  
Cailee E. Welch Bacon
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Clinical Scenario ◽  
Clinical Question ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Questionnaire Version

Clinical Scenario:Eating disorders in female athletes are a commonly underdiagnosed condition. Better screening tools for eating disorders in athletic females could help increase diagnosis and help athletes get the treatment they need.Focused Clinical Question:Should screening tools be used to detect eating disorders in female athletes?Summary of Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies that included information regarding the sensitivity and specificity of screening tools for eating disorders in female athletes. The search returned 5 possible articles related to the clinical question; 3 studies met the inclusion criteria (2 cross-sectional studies, 1 cohort study) and were included. All 3 studies reported sensitivity and specificity for the Athletic Milieu Direct Questionnaire version 2, the Brief Eating Disorder in Athletes Questionnaire version 2, and the Physiologic Screening Test to Detect Eating Disorders Among Female Athletes. All 3 studies found that the respective screening tool was able to accurately identify female athletes with eating disorders; however, the screening tools varied in sensitivity and specificity values.Clinical Bottom Line:There is strong evidence to support the use of screening tools to detect eating disorders in female athletes. Screening tools with higher sensitivity and specificity have demonstrated a successful outcome of determining athletes with eating disorders or at risk for developing an eating disorder.Strength of Recommendation:There is grade A evidence available to demonstrate that screening tools accurately detect female athletes at risk for eating disorders.

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