ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS FOR ANOREXIA IN FEMALE DISTANCE RUNNERS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY
ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS FOR ANOREXIA IN FEMALE DISTANCE RUNNERS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY
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Issue Date
1998
Authors
LEHMAN-WINTERS, HELEN
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether elite female distance runners display a higher tendency toward eating disorders than elite female sprinters. The researcher hypothesized that since distance running is a sport that tends to demand thinness, then these athletes may face a higher risk than other runners for developing anorexia. The EAT-26 was administered to 58 elite female distance runners and 30 elite female sprinters at Division I Universities. Overall, 8% of the distance runners and .3% of the sprinters scored over 20 on the EAT-26, placing them in the anorectic range. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the distance runners and sprinters, the researcher did observe higher scores (more pathologic) on both Dieting and Oral Control subscales of the EAT-26, indicating that distance runners may exhibit disordered eating patterns. This study did not conclude that distance running may be a risk factor for the development of anorexia. However, since the sample was small, further larger and more longitudinal studies may provide a more conclusive picture. Since distance runners scored significantly higher on the Dieting and Oral Control subscales of the EAT-26, further studies should address disordered eating among this population as well as the factors that may influence an athlete's decision to diet.