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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
8:16 AM
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Link between high levels of athleticism and eating disorders
A recent study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that undergraduate females who are involved in sports and exercise activities are more likely to have attitudes that are similar to those one would find in individuals with an eating disorder. Additionally, the study found that those with higher levels of anxiety about the sport or exercise that they engage in are at greater risk of both experiencing body dissatisfaction and symptoms of an eating disorder. This is the first study to document a link between high levels of athleticism and risk for eating disorders. The following is an excerpt of an article from Medical News Today that reviews the study's findings:
The study was conducted with 274 female undergraduates from a large southeastern university. It examined whether differences in eating disorder symptoms exist between women who are varsity athletes (exercised an average of two hours per day), club athletes (practiced their sport an average of four times per week), independent exercisers (people who exercised on their own at least three times per week) and non-exercisers (people who exercise 0-2 times per week on average).
All participants completed the Eating Disorders Inventory, a self-report measuring eating related behaviors and attitudes; the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, a measurement tool used to evaluate self-esteem; and the Physical Activity and Sport Anxiety Scale, a questionnaire used to assess social fear and avoidance of physical activity or athletic situations.
Click here to read the rest of the article from Medical News Today
Click here for more information on eating disorders
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Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. He is board certified in psychiatry, and is a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.
Rev Robert Wester is
Senior Chaplain at Brookhaven Hospital and the RENEWAL programs. Chaplain
Wester conducts daily devotional services and offers pastoral counseling
to clients in the RENEWAL program.
Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's
Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's
Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors
and clergy.
Sarah McGee, BA, serves as the Community
Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information
on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals
in Oklahoma and surrounding states. |
