BodySense: An Evaluation of a Positive Body Image Intervention on Sport Climate for Female Athletes

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a selective prevention program designed to reduce pressures to be thin in sport, and to promote positive body image and eating behaviors in young female athletes. Participants were competitive female gymnasts (aged 11 to 18 years), parents, and coaches from 7 gymnastic clubs across Ontario, Canada. Four of the seven clubs were randomized to receive the 3-month intervention program (IG) aimed at increasing awareness and positive climate change of body image pressures for athletes in their clubs. Three clubs were randomized to the control group (CG). A total of 62 female gymnasts (IG n = 31; CG n = 31) completed self-report questionnaires examining perceptions of pressure to be thin within their sports clubs, self-efficacy over dieting pressures, awareness and internalization of societal pressure to be thin, body esteem, and eating attitudes and behaviours before and following the intervention. A total of 32 mothers (IG n = 24; CG n = 8) completed measures examining their perceptions of their daughter's pressure to be thin, awareness and internalization of societal pressures to be thin, daughter's self-efficacy over dieting pressures, in addition to mothers' beliefs regarding thinness and success for women in society, before and following the intervention. The findings revealed that participation in the BodySense program resulted in athletes perceiving a reduction in pressure from their sports clubs to be thin, though no changes were found in body esteem, the EAT, or the SATAQ. No significant change was observed over time on mothers' measures. The role of climate change for prevention of eating disorders in athletes is discussed.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a Women's Health Council grant of Ontario (Grant #000–45) to Dr. Gail L. McVey. The Council is fully funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This research does not necessarily reflect endorsement by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The writing of this manuscript was, in part supported by an Expertise Mobilization Award given to Dr. Annick Buchholz from the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health in Ontario.

The authors wish to acknowledge members of the BodySense steering committee and the national advisory committee for their expertise and dedication to the project, as well as the athletes, coaches, parents, administrators who participated in the study. The authors gratefully acknowledge the more recent funding for the BodySense program through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Please visit the website www.bodysense.ca for more information.