Researching Eating Disorders and Body Image in Sport: Challenges and Recommendations

in Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

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Dana K. Voelker West Virginia University

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Justine J. Reel University of North Carolina Wilmington

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0017
Keywords:
clinical practice; community partnership; participatory research; professional development
In Print:
Volume 12: Issue 4
Page Range:
473–479
Restricted access

The number of studies examining eating disorders and body image in sport has increased, although several major challenges associated with conducting this research must be addressed to continue growth. In this paper, we describe these challenges based on our professional experiences and the academic literature. Mistrust of researchers and the area of study, communication gaps, and factors that affect data quality are among the strong barriers discussed. However, we suggest that these challenges may be addressed by building stronger partnerships between researchers and practitioners and offer critical steps for developing meaningful professional relationships that will help move the field forward.

Voelker is with West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Reel is with the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC.

Address author correspondence to Dana K. Voelker at dkvoelker@mail.wvu.edu.
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