Negative emotion and disordered eating among UK athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Ryulah Lim ^*, Seong-Min Park ^**, Yeokil Cho ^***, Peculiar Awa ^**** and Yong-Eun Sung ^****

^(*) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, University of London,UK
^(**) Department of Criminal Justice, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
^(***) Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Las Vegas, MO, USA
^(****) Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Central Missouri,Warrensburg, MO, USA

Citation

Lim, R., Park, S., Cho, Y., Awa, P., Sung, Y. (2023). Negative emotion and disordered eating among UK athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 54(2), 175-192. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2023.54.175

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to many changes for everyone. Social distancing and isolation policies significantly impacted sports and sporting-related activities. The current study examined the relationship between mental well-being and eating behavior among a sample of 478 UK athletes in 2020. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results of multiple analyses revealed that negative emotion significantly increased disordered eating. age and gender were also significant risk factors for dis- ordered eating. Results carry theoretical and policy implications to offer the best prac- tice for athletes in the future as they transition through changes such as COVID-19.

Keywords: Athlete, COVID-19, Negative emotion, Disordered eating

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