Date of Graduation
2002
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Cindy Fitch
Abstract
Disordered eating and inadequate nutrient intake are problematic issues concerning females involved in athletics. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of eating disorder pathology and inadequate diet intake among a population of female athletes. A convenience sample of 91 female athletes was recruited from West Virginia University. The subjects were surveyed for the presence of eating pathology via three validated self-report questionnaires. Quantitative nutrient intake was assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire. The results revealed that 23% (n=21) of subjects were classified as having a probable eating disorder, 41% (n=37) of the athletes demonstrated some eating pathology at a level below having an eating disorder, and the scores of 36% (n=32) of the subjects were equivalent to those of psychiatrically healthy individuals. Overall, 64% (n=58) of the subjects demonstrated at least some cognitions associated with eating disorders. In addition, 46.5% (n=40) of the subjects had inadequate intake of one or more of the following nutrients: kilocalories, carbohydrate, protein, iron, and calcium. There was no relationship found between diet adequacy and the presence of eating pathology. The results of this research provide substantial information on the high incidence of cognitions associated with eating disorders, as well as overall diet quality among female collegiate athletes.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Rachel Michele, "The prevalence of eating disorder pathology and inadequate diets among division I female collegiate athletes." (2002). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10677.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10677