Differentiation in eating behaviors between Korean female collegiate athletes and non-athletes

Chankyo Jeong, Purdue University

Abstract

Majority of eating disorders (ED)/disordered eating (DE) research has examined women only in developed western countries. However, ED/DE are not restricted to western populations. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to estimate the prevalence of ED and DE among female collegiate athletes and non-athletes in South Korea, and (b) to differentiate eating behaviors among the same population. A total of 945 undergraduate women between 18 and 25 years of age in South Korea completed the survey packet; 378 were female collegiate athletes from 39 sports/events and 567 were non-athletes in any sport. The self-report questionnaires were administered in the form of a packet that consists of demographic questionnaire, KEDEQ (Korean version of Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire), KEDI-2 (Korean version of Eating Disorder Inventory-2), KSATAQ (Korean version of Sociocultural Attitude towards Appearance Questionnaire) and KRSES (Korean version of Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale). The main findings in this study are as follows: (a) prevalence rates of atypical eating behaviors (ED/DE) were higher among female athletes (64.3%) than among non-athletes (42.7%); more specifically, the prevalence rates of ED and DE in the female athletes group were 5.8% and 58.5% respectively while the rates for the non-athletes group were 6.5% and 36.2%, (b) there were statistical differences in BMI perceived, perfectionism, and self-esteem between athletes and non-athletes with ED and DE, (c) significant differences were found among ED, DE, and non-ED/DE groups both in the athletes group and in the non-athletes group; and (d) several predictors were directly correlated to ED/DE in the two groups. However, the predictors in the regression models were not the same in athletes and nonathletes group. The findings in this study indicate that there are significant differences in eating disorders symptoms and related variables between athletes and non-athletes. Further differentiation between athletes and non athletes with ED/DE also exists. Ongoing research is needed to better understand ED/DE among the population. Also, the results of the present study could be utilized in developing and implementing programs on college campuses to prevent atypical eating behaviors. Such programs should be considered for collegiate population including collegiate female athletes. In addition, coaches, health professionals and even female athletes should be made aware of roadblocks to healthy eating and exercise behaviors.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Black, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Public health|Cognitive psychology|Health education

COinS