Critical Comments About Body Shape and Weight: Disordered Eating of Female Athletes and Sport Participants

Abstract

This investigation explored the role of critical comments about weight and body shape and disordered eating symptoms of female athletes (N = 157) and sport participants (N = 63). Results revealed that both athletes and sport participants who recalled critical comments, compared with those who did not, and those who recalled more severe critical comments, reported greater disordered eating (controlling for depression). Although greater degree of athletic involvement was associated with greater frequency of recalled critical comments, athletes and sport participants did not differ on disordered eating. Consistent with objectification theory, those who recalled critical comments had more intense negative emotions (shame, anxiety) than positive emotions associated with the recalled comment; but not more so for athletes than sports participants.

The present study was based in part on a master's thesis by Anne Muscat under the direction of Bonita Long.

Notes

For years researchers have defined adolescence as 12 to 23 years (Hall, 1904; Stanrock, 1990) and recently they have identified the period between 18 and 25 years of age as emerging adulthood, which is based on recent changes in demographics, subjectivity, and identity exploration (Arnett, 2000).

∗∗p < .01 level (2-tailed).

∗∗p <.01 level (2-tailed).

∗p < .01

∗∗p < .001.

There is conflicting evidence that sports that require a particular body type are associated with greater disordered eating. Examining 58 different types of sports, Hausenblas and Carron (1999) found support for this hypothesis. However, Hausenblas and McNally (2004) did not find support in the study of track and field sports. Thus, as a post hoc test we compared participants in lean sports, artistic sports, and weight-class sports (n = 67) with participants in ball games and technical sports (n = 153) on disordered eating. An ANCOVA revealed no significant differences between the two types of athletic endeavors and disordered eating behaviors, F(1, 217) = 1.21, p = .27, controlling for depression.

^aType of Athlete (0 = athlete, 1 = sport participant).

∗∗p < .001.