Protective Factors for Eating Disorders in Female College Athletes

Abstract

Sundgot-Borgen (1993) hypothesized that participants in refereed sports, e.g., basketball, may be at lower risk for the development of eating disorders in comparison to those participating in judged sports, e.g., gymnastics. This study tested this hypothesis. Structured interviews and self-report questionnaires were employed to assess the presence of eating disorder diagnoses, the presence of body weight and shape concerns, psychopathology, and body mass index among female collegiate athletes. The sample included three groups of participants: nonathletic students (n = 62), student athletes participating in refereed sports (n = 33), and student athletes participating in judged sports (n = 37). Comparison of eating disorder diagnoses between groups found a trend toward a higher rate of diagnoses among members of judged sports as compared to both refereed sports and nonathletic students, approximately (13%, 3%, and 3%, respectively). Participants in judged sports did not differ from nonathletic students on measures of overconcern with body size and shape. However, participants in refereed sports scored lower on these same measures than either nonathletes or athletes participating in judged sports. This finding suggests that participation in refereed sports may function as a protective factor that reduces the risk of developing overconcern with body size and shape.