How do lean and non-lean female collegiate athletes view the eating disorder education they receive from their coaches?

Abstract

Extant research indicates that collegiate coaches often lack the knowledge or confidence required to provide their student–athletes with effective educational experiences related to eating disorders. The current study investigates the prevalence and quality of such experiences from the perspective of lean and non-lean female student–athletes at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III institution. Participants were asked closed- and open-ended questions in an anonymous online survey. Lean and non-lean participants reported similar rates of education despite differential risk for eating disorders. Approximately 70% of student–athletes expressed a desire for a more comprehensive and long-term program of study. Participants’ confidence in identifying an eating disorder in a peer did not differ based on type of sport or education status, but those who were educated identified more appropriate potential symptoms than did those who were uneducated. This indicates some degree of educational effectiveness. However, education status and type of sport had no bearing on the likelihood of a participant speaking with their coach about their own or a peer’s potential disorder. Educational attempts were therefore insufficient to help student–athletes overcome the shame and consequential secrecy associated with eating disorders. Our results underscore the need for effective education for at-risk student–athletes while also clarifying that both lean and non-lean student–athletes often want to receive more comprehensive education about eating disorders. Current findings highlight specific areas of student–athlete interest about the topic and could be used to help coaches revise their educational efforts to enhance engagement and long-term retention of information.

Evaluating a motivational and psycho‐educational self‐help intervention for athletes with mild eating disorder symptoms: A mixed methods feasibility study

“…50%; Beintner et al., 2014 ). This may be because athletes in the current study emphasised the content of MOPED‐A to be highly relevant and tailored to them, which has been recommended to enhance the relevance of interventions for this population (Arthur‐Cameselle & Quatromoni, 2014 ; Biggin et al., 2017 ; Hines et al., 2019 ; Plateau et al., 2017 ). This reinforces that by adopting a participatory approach to the intervention development process, as was taken here, researchers and practitioners can effectively tailor their interventions to the target populations' social context (Bartholomew et al., 2011 ).…”

An intervention mapping adaptation framework to develop a self‐help intervention for athletes with eating disorder symptoms

“…Early intervention is important in preventing the development of a clinical ED (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2019), which carry serious consequences for athlete health, such as weakened bone health, decreased cardiovascular function, reduced quality of life, depression, and anxiety (e.g., Martinsen et al, 2010; Mountjoy et al, 2018). Incorporating athlete‐specific values (e.g., performance, athlete identity) to interventions may help to increase their acceptability and appropriateness for this group of participants (Hines et al, 2019). An important task for current research is therefore to identify and develop suitable and effective early intervention alternatives for athletes with ED symptoms.…”

Biological and Socio-Cultural Factors Have the Potential to Influence the Health and Performance of Elite Female Athletes: A Cross Sectional Survey of 219 Elite Female Athletes in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…Male coaches, social media, audiences and sponsors are recognized sources of pressure for female athletes (de Haan and Norman, 2019 ). Difficulty communicating with coaches and support staff who may be poorly informed on women's health issues, has also been identified as a specific challenge (Hines et al, 2019 ).…”