Eva M. Krentz and Petra Warschburger
Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Germany
Citation
M. Krentz, E., Warschburger, P. (2011). Sports-related correlates of disordered eating: A comparison between aesthetic and ballgame sports. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 42(6), 548-564.
Abstract
Prevalence rates for disordered eating vary between different types of sports (Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, 2004). In this study, athletes of sports with a high risk and low risk for disordered eating were compared regarding potential sportsrelated risk factors for disordered eating. One hundred and seventy-one aesthetic and ballgame sports athletes participated in this study (mean age 14.1 ± 1.8 years). Aesthetic sports athletes reported more disordered eating behaviors, sports-related body dissatisfaction, a greater desire to be leaner to improve sports performance and greater social pressure from the sports environment than did ballgame sports athletes. Emotional distress resulting from missed exercise sessions and the desire to be leaner to improve sports performance predicted disordered eating in both sport types. The results suggest that the kinds of risk factors for disordered eating are equal among sport types, but some potential risk factors are more prevalent in aesthetic sports.
Keywords: Adolescent, Body dissatisfaction, Eating disorder, Elite athlete