Susceptibility to eating disorders among collegiate female student-athletes.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Athletic training and health centers at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III institutions via e-mail questionnaire correspondence.


METHODS
A total of 439 FS-As from 17 participating institutions completed the questionnaires. The sample was primarily white (83.1%) and underclass (61.8%).


METHODS
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.
Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, GA.
Cherilyn N
CN
McLester
Robin
R
Hardin
Stephanie
S
Hoppe
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000145:classification; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
anorexia; body image; bulimia; self-esteem