Masters Theses/Capstone Projects
ORCID
0009-0005-4466-8170
Date of Award
Spring 5-3-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Post-Professional Athletic Training (MSAH)
First Committee Member
Dr. Ally Smith, PhD, ATC
Advisor
Dr. Ally Smith, PhD, ATC
Second Committee Member
Dr. Joan Rocks, PhD, ATC,
Third Committee Member
Danielle Kilboy, MS, MSAH, ATC
Keywords
Eating Disorders, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Division III
Subject Categories
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition | Higher Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Sports Sciences
Abstract
Context: Eating disorder (ED) risk, and body image dissatisfaction (BID) are increasingly recognized concerns in collegiate athletes due to sport-specific and sociocultural pressures. However, limited research has looked at these factors within NCAA Division III track and field athletes.
Objective: To examine the prevalence of eating disorder risk and body image dissatisfaction among division III track and field athletes and explore differences based on gender and event group Design A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design
Setting: NCAA division III athletic program within the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), during the 2025-2026 competitive season.
Participants: A total of 32 NCAA Division III track and field athletes (aged 18-22) from Otterbein University participated in this study. Both male and female athletes across sprints, mid-distance, long-distance, jumps, and throwing events were included
Intervention: No interventions were administered. Participants completed an anonymous online survey including the Eating Disorder Screen for Athlete (EDSA) and the Stunkard Silhouette Test.
Main Outcome: Measurement Eating disorder risk was measured using the EDSA. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using discrepancy scores between perceived and ideal body size on the Stunkard Silhouette scale in both daily clothing and sports uniform.
Results: Of the 32 participants, 28.1% (n=9) were classified as at risk for an eating disorder. Body image dissatisfaction was prevalent in 62.5% of athletes in daily clothing and 65.6% in uniforms. Female athletes demonstrated higher ED risk (45%) compared to male athlete (0%), with a statistically significant gender difference. No significant differences were found across event groups for ED risk or BID.
Conclusion: Eating disorder risk and body image dissatisfaction are present among Division III track and field athletes, particularly among female athletes. These findings highlight the importance of early identification, routine screening, and interdisciplinary support within athletic programs to promote athlete health and well-being across all event groups and competition levels.
Licensing Permission
Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use
Acknowledgement 1
1
Acknowledgement 2
1
Recommended Citation
Goodson, Ravyn S., "Investigating the Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division III Track and Field Athletes" (2026). Masters Theses/Capstone Projects. 148.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_master/148
Included in
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Higher Education Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Sports Sciences Commons