Finding a Balance: A Study of Eating Disorders in Female Competitive Gymnasts
School Name
Chapin High School
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Psychology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Oral Presentation Award
2nd Place
Abstract
This research project investigates the relationship between participation in competitive gymnastics and the risk of eating disorders. The purpose is to determine if competitive gymnasts are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder due to the potential subjectiveness and judging aspect of the sport. Since early eating disorder intervention is healthier and easier, subjects include 11-14 year old female adolescents who participate in either recreational or competitive gymnastics. They were administered a modified version of the Children’s Eating Attitudes Test-26 (ChEAT-26) in which level of participation in gymnastics and knowledge of healthy eating habits were also evaluated. The data was analyzed using a series of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests to assess if there was a significant difference in test results between competitive and non-competitive gymnasts. Results indicated that level of participation does not affect the prevalence of disordered eating.
Recommended Citation
McArthur, Tessa, "Finding a Balance: A Study of Eating Disorders in Female Competitive Gymnasts" (2019). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 100.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2019/all/100
Location
Founders Hall 251 B
Start Date
3-30-2019 12:00 PM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
Finding a Balance: A Study of Eating Disorders in Female Competitive Gymnasts
Founders Hall 251 B
This research project investigates the relationship between participation in competitive gymnastics and the risk of eating disorders. The purpose is to determine if competitive gymnasts are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder due to the potential subjectiveness and judging aspect of the sport. Since early eating disorder intervention is healthier and easier, subjects include 11-14 year old female adolescents who participate in either recreational or competitive gymnastics. They were administered a modified version of the Children’s Eating Attitudes Test-26 (ChEAT-26) in which level of participation in gymnastics and knowledge of healthy eating habits were also evaluated. The data was analyzed using a series of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests to assess if there was a significant difference in test results between competitive and non-competitive gymnasts. Results indicated that level of participation does not affect the prevalence of disordered eating.
