Learning from Collegiate Athletes who have Recovered from Eating Disorders: Advice to Coaches, Parents, and Other Athletes with Eating Disorders

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elicit advice from female collegiate athletes who achieved recovery from an eating disorder for coaches, parents, and other athletes with eating disorders. Participants were 16 female collegiate athletes who had experienced eating disorders. Data was obtained through structured interview questions. Advice for coaches included confronting athletes with a suspected eating disorder and receiving education about nutrition and eating disorders. Advice for parents included providing emotional support while trusting the athlete to make her own decisions. Advice to other athletes included maintaining hope that full recovery is possible and identifying triggers for the disorder.

Acknowledgments

This paper is based on the dissertation of Jessyca N. Arthur, conducted while she was a doctoral student at Boston University. We thank Leonard Zaichkowsky, Paula A. Quatromoni, and Bruce Fraser, qualitative research peers who provided critiques of this research, and to the female athletes who volunteered to participate.