What position do you play? Eating disorder pathology among rugby players, and the understudied role of player position

Compte, Emilio J.; Murray, Stuart B.; Sepúlveda, Ana R.; Schweiger, Sofia; Bressan, Michelle; Torrente, Fernando

doi:10.1002/eat.22933

Cited by 10 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Within a particular sport, some positions may place a higher importance on weight‐status than other positions (e.g., coxswains in rowing). There is some evidence to suggest that certain positions in sport may be at higher risk for disordered eating compared to other positions (Compte et al, 2018; Torres‐McGehee et al, 2012). Uniforms vary considerably across different types of sports, ages, and levels of competition, and these differences could alter associated ED risk (Thompson & Sherman, 2014; Torres‐McGehee et al, 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eating‐disorder psychopathology in female athletes and non‐athletes: A meta‐analysis

Chapa

Johnson

Richson

et al. 2022

Intl J Eating Disorders

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Objective: There is ongoing discussion about whether sports participation is a risk or protective factor for eating disorders (EDs). Research is mixed, with some studies suggesting that athletes have higher mean levels of ED psychopathology compared to nonathletes, while other studies suggest the opposite effect or no differences. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to identify whether female athletes reported higher mean levels of ED psychopathology compared to nonathletes.Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified 56 studies that reported ED psychopathology for female athletes and nonathletes. A three-level random-effects model of between-and within-study variance was completed for the following outcome variables: overall ED psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, restricting, and loss-of-control eating.Results: Athletes reported lower levels of body dissatisfaction compared to nonathletes (g = À.21, p < .0001). Athletes and nonathletes reported similar levels of overall ED psychopathology, drive for thinness, restricting, and loss-of-control eating on average. Sport type significantly moderated standardized mean difference effect sizes of ED psychopathology in athletes versus nonathletes. Effect sizes comparing levels of drive for thinness, restricting, and loss-of-control eating in athletes versus nonathletes were larger for studies with athletes participating in aesthetic/lean sports compared to nonaesthetic/nonlean sports.Discussion: Findings from this meta-analysis could inform future ED prevention and treatment in female athletes by providing further evidence that athletes in aesthetic/ lean sports may report higher levels of ED psychopathology. Participating in nonaesthetic/nonlean sports may be a protective factor for experiencing less body dissatisfaction.Public Significance Statement: The current meta-analysis summarized findings from 56 studies that assessed levels of disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, dietary restricting, and loss-of-control eating in female athletes and nonathletes. Athletes reported lower levels of body dissatisfaction compared to nonathletes, highlighting that participation in sport could have some protective factors.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eating‐disorder psychopathology in female athletes and non‐athletes: A meta‐analysis

Chapa

Johnson

Richson

et al. 2022

Intl J Eating Disorders

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show abstract

“…The practice of certain types of sports [e.g., esthetic and weight-category sports; ( 1 )] as well as the athlete’s position in the sport [e.g., striker; ( 25 )] is known to increase the risk of developing ED symptoms. Specifically, some sports may promote drive for thinness behaviors and attitudes in order to enhance athletic performance [e.g., esthetic sports; ( 1 , 26 )].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, Sundgot-Borgen and Garthe ( 28 ) reported that athletes in weight-category sports (e.g., boxing) tend to strive to develop muscularity while maintaining a low body weight. Regarding the athlete’s position, Compte et al ( 25 ) demonstrated that the position practiced in sport (e.g., attack or defense in some team sports) can influence drive for thinness behaviors and attitudes, depending on the associated athletic demands. Thus, depending on the demands of their sport or their position within it, athletes may develop behaviors and attitudes oriented not only toward the drive for thinness, but also toward the drive for muscularity ( 29 , 30 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Maurin,

Labossière,

Pomerleau-Fontaine

et al. 2024

Front. Nutr.

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IntroductionProfessional and student-athletes are at risk of developing symptoms of eating disorders (ED), including drive for thinness and muscularity due to personal risk factors (e.g., low self-esteem) and sport-specific characteristics (e.g., sport requirements). However, limited studies have focused on ED symptoms among NextGen athletes (identified in Canada as élite or relève) who compete at the provincial, national, and international levels but are not yet part of national teams. As such, they have access to fewer financial resources and support from their sport federations, which can create additional stress for these athletes. The present study aimed to identify personal risk factors and types of sports associated with (a) drive for thinness and (b) drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes.MethodsThese athletes (n = 254) aged between 14 and 25 years old completed an online questionnaire. Perfectionism, self-esteem in sport, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity were, respectively, assessed by the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport, the Sport State Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Attitude Test-26, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Other personal risk factor (e.g., athletic status) were measured using in-house questions. Each personal risk factor was included in two multiple linear regressions, respectively, to determine which factors were most associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity.ResultsAnalyses revealed that perfectionist aspirations during training were linked to a stronger desire for thinness. In addition, not being in school or not having a job were also linked to a stronger desire for thinness. Several variables were found to be associated with a greater desire for muscularity: being a male athlete, playing team sport, weight category sport or endurance sport (as opposed to esthetic sport), having elite status, being less satisfied with one’s current sporting performance and having higher perfectionist aspirations during training.DiscussionThis study offers initial insights into the factors influencing EDs among NextGen athletes, which provides a foundation for deeper exploration and the creation or modification of targeted interventions. These findings can guide sport organizations in creating guidelines and programs to better support the next generation of national athletes (e.g., create programs to help athletes maintain investments outside).

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“…The practice of certain types of sports [e.g., esthetic and weightcategory sports; (1)] as well as the athlete's position in the sport [e.g., striker; (25)] is known to increase the risk of developing ED symptoms. Specifically, some sports may promote drive for thinness behaviors and attitudes in order to enhance athletic performance [e.g., esthetic sports; (1,26)].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What position do you play? Eating disorder pathology among rugby players, and the understudied role of player position

Cited by 10 publications

References 30 publications

Eating‐disorder psychopathology in female athletes and non‐athletes: A meta‐analysis

Eating‐disorder psychopathology in female athletes and non‐athletes: A meta‐analysis

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Table_1.docx

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