Does body appreciation and eating awareness change in artists who perform different dance styles: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Dancers’ dissatisfaction with body appreciation leads to a change in their awareness of eating and an increase in health risks associated with malnutrition. Identifying the causes of these problems can help improve performance and general well-being levels in dancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the body appreciation levels of the dancers and analyse their eating awareness. In addition, it is intended to reveal whether there is difference between dance styles. A total of 791 dancers at 18–40 age range participated in the study. There were 252 break dancers, 304 folk dancers, 235 modern dancers. They were evaluated by the cross-sectional method. Eating awareness of the dancers was at a moderate level. Although eating control was high, eating disciplines were low. It was found that they were affected by interference. Their body appreciation level was high. According to the results obtained from Body appreciation scale, levels of participants who performed modern dance were higher than those who performed folk dance and break dance. These results show that there are useful determinations in dancers to explore more about eating awareness and body appreciation. The study can guide the development of more effective intervention strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Dance
• body appreciation
• Mindful eating

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank all the participants in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mustafa Akil

Mustafa Akil is a Professor and researcher with a multidisciplinary background and professional practice in several areas of his academic training. He has a degree in Physical Education and Sport; a master's degree in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise; and a PhD degree in physical Health, Nutrition, and Exercise. His research focuses on health and exercise determinants and their relationship with the quality of practice in several health and sport contexts.