Susceptibility to Eating Disorders Among Collegiate Female Student–Athletes

Cherilyn N. McLester · Robin L. Hardin

66 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Athletic Training

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Eating Disorders and Behaviors Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior Health and Lifestyle Studies

Abstract

CONTEXT: Research has suggested that the prevalence of young women with eating disorders (EDs) is increasing, but determining the exact prevalence of EDs within the female student-athlete (FS-A) population is difficult. Looking at certain traits may help us to identify their level of susceptibility to developing an ED. OBJECTIVE: To determine the susceptibility of FS-As to EDs in relation to self-concept, including self-esteem and body image. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Athletic training and health centers at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III institutions via e-mail questionnaire correspondence. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 439 FS-As from 17 participating institutions completed the questionnaires. The sample was primarily white (83.1%) and underclass (61.8%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts: 3 subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Body Cathexis Scale, and demographic items. RESULTS: A total of 6.8% of FS-As were susceptible to anorexia and 1.8% were susceptible to bulimia. The majority of FS-As (61%) reported normal self-esteem levels, whereas 29.4% had high self-esteem. Overall, 64.5% were satisfied and 23% were very satisfied with their body image. CONCLUSIONS: These results are generally positive in that they suggest FS-As have high levels of self-concept and are at low risk to develop EDs. However, these findings do not mean that all concerns should be dismissed. Although more than 90% of the respondents were not susceptible to an ED, there are still FS-As who may be. Athletic departments should evaluate their FS-As' levels of self-concept so that their susceptibility to EDs can be addressed. The emotional aspect of health care should be included in providing holistic care for student-athletes. Athletic trainers often are the primary health care providers for FS-As, so they should be made aware of this concern.

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1965Society and the Adolescent Self-Image 2012The Relationship of Level of Positive Mental Health With Current Mental Disorders in Predicting Suicidal Behavior and Academic Impairment in College Students 2008National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Preventing, Detecting, and Managing Disordered Eating in Athletes 1999Athletes and eating disorders: The national collegiate athletic association study 2009Female Collegiate Athletes: Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Behaviors 1993The Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale and Harter's Self-Perception profile for adolescents: a concurrent validity study 2005Prevalence of Disordered-Eating Behaviors in Undergraduate Female Collegiate Athletes and Nonathletes.1955Body-cathexis and the ideal female figure.

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