Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

ORCID

0009-0003-3260-4132

Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Post-Professional Athletic Training (MSAH)

First Committee Member

Dr. Ally Smith

Advisor

Dr. Ally Smith

Second Committee Member

Dr. Joan Rocks

Keywords

Eating disorders (ED), body image, collegiate athletes, pathogenic behaviors, gender differences, division III

Subject Categories

Health Services Research | Higher Education | Mental and Social Health | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Eating disorders (ED) and pathogenic behaviors are prevalent concerns among collegiate athletes due to performance pressures and body image expectations. This cross-sectional study examined the risk of ED among 243 student-athletes (Males: 54.9%, Females: 44.3%, Non-Binary: 0.4%) at a private institution in the Midwest. The convenience sample included student-athletes from baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling teams. The participants were given a demographic survey, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes to assess eating behaviors and perceived and desired body images. Overall, 22.1% of participants were at risk for ED, with male collegiate athletes being more at risk than their female athlete counterparts (Males: 24.6%, Females: 17.6%, Non-Binary: 100%, p≤.001). Pathogenic behaviors included binge eating (8.2%), vomiting (4.9%), use of diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics (4.5%), excessive exercise (5.3%), and recent weight loss (7.4%). Male and female track athletes, men’s lacrosse, and wrestling teams showed higher percentages in pathogenic behaviors than other sport types. ANOVA measures revealed significant effects of perceptions (p≤.01, η²=0.085) and perceptions by gender (p≤.01, η²=0.117) on eating disorder risk, while clothing type showed no significant influence. Additionally, sport type significantly influenced perceived body image (p≤.01, η²=0.102) but not clothing perceptions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address ED risk factors in division III collegiate athletes. Future research should explore more conclusive data on eating disorders and pathogenic behaviors regarding division III collegiate athletic populations. This will allow athletic trainers be more equipped with tools to begin early interventions with their athletes who display signs and symptoms of possible ED. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

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