An Exploration of the Relationship Between Disordered Eating, Exercise Dependence, and Athletic Injury

in Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

Click name to view affiliation

Carrie B. Scherzer Department of Psychology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada

Search for other papers by Carrie B. Scherzer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6382-4221 *
,
Jeremy Trenchuk Department of Psychology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada

Search for other papers by Jeremy Trenchuk in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Meaghan Peters Department of Psychology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada

Search for other papers by Meaghan Peters in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
, and
Robert Mazury Department of Psychology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada

Search for other papers by Robert Mazury in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2020-0063
Keywords:
athletes; eating behavior; injuries; overexercise
First Published Online:
22 Sep 2021
In Print:
Volume 17: Issue 1
Page Range:
41–52
Restricted access

Athletes can be at elevated risk for developing eating disorders, the effects of which can be devastating. Few researchers have examined the influence of a predisposition toward an eating disorder on athletic injury. Exercise dependence might bridge the gap toward understanding this relationship. This study sought to examine the relationship between predisposition toward an eating disorder and exercise dependence and looked at both as predictors of athletic injury. College students (n = 132) completed the Eating Disorders Inventory and the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire, as well as provided demographic, activity, and injury information. Subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory and Exercise Dependence Questionnaire were significant predictors of having at least one athletic injury in the preceding year. These findings suggest that both predisposition toward an eating disorder and exercise dependence may be contributing factors to injury.

Scherzer (cscherzer@mtroyal.ca) is corresponding author, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6382-4221

  • Collapse
  • Expand

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

Cover Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Eating disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm05

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Anshel, M.H. (2004). Sources of disordered eating patterns between ballet dancers and non-dancers. Journal of Sport Behavior, 27(2), 115.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bass, M., Turner, L., & Hunt, S. (2001). Counseling female athletes: Application of the stages of change model to avoid disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Psychological Reports, 88(3), 1153–1160. https://doi.org/10.2466/PR0.88.3.1153-1160

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Berczik, K., Szabó, A., Griffiths, M.D., Kurimay, T., Kun, B., Urbán, R., & Demetrovics, Z. (2012). Exercise addiction: Symptoms, diagnosis, epidemiology, and etiology. Substance Use & Misuse, 47(4), 403–417. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2011.639120

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Blaydon, M.J., & Lindner, K.J. (2002). Eating disorders and exercise dependence in triathletes. Eating Disorders, 10(1), 49–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/106402602753573559

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chapman, J., & Woodman, T. (2016). Disordered eating in male athletes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(2), 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1040824

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cooper, H., & Winter, S. (2017). Exploring the conceptualization and persistence of disordered eating in retired swimmer. Clinical Journal of Sport Psychology, 11(3), 222–239. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2016-0038

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Davis, C., Kennedy, S.H., Ravelski, E., & Dionne, M. (1994). The role of physical activity in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Psychological Medicine, 24(4), 957–967. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291700029044

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • de le Vega, R., Parastatidou, S.I., Ruíz-Barquín, R., & Szabo, A. (2016). Exercise addiction in athletes and leisure exercisers: The moderating role of passion. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 5(2), 325–331. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.5.2016.043

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • DiBartolo, P.M., & Shaffer, C. (2002). A comparison of female college athletes and nonathletes: Eating disorder symptomatology and psychological well-being. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 24(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.24.1.33

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • DiPasquale, L.D., & Petrie, T.A. (2013). Prevalence of disordered eating: A comparison of male and female collegiate athletes and nonathletes. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 7(3), 186–197. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.7.3.186

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gaines, S.A., & Burnett, T.B.S. (2014). Perceptions of eating behaviors, body image, and social pressures in female division II college athletes and non-athletes. Journal of Sport Behavior, 37(4), 351–369.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gapin, J.I., & Petruzzello, S.J. (2011). Athletic identity and disordered eating in obligatory and non-obligatory runners. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(10), 1001–1010. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.571275

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Garner, D.M., & Garfinkle, P.E. (1979). The eating attitudes test: An index of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Psychological Medicine, 9(2), 273–279. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291700030762

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Garner, D.M., Olmstead, M.P., & Polivy, J. (1983). Development and validation of a multidimensional eating disorder inventory for anorexia nervosa and bulimia. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2(2), 15–34. https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-108X(198321)2:2<15::AID-EAT2260020203>3.0.CO;2-6

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hartmann, S.A., Steenberg, F., Voxks, S., Büsch, D., & Waldord, M. (2018). How healthy is a desire to be fit and strong? Drives for thinness, leanness, and muscularity in women in weight training. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 12(4), 544–561. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0022

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hausenblas, H.A., & Downs, D.S. (2002). How much is too much? The development and validation of the Exercise Dependence Scale. Psychology & Health, 17(4), 387–404. https://doi.org/10.1080/0887044022000004894

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hausenblas, H.A., & McNally, K.D. (2004). Eating disorder prevalence and symptoms for track and field athletes and nonathletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 16(3), 274–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200490485630

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kirk, G., Singh, K., & Getz, H. (2001). Risk of eating disorders among female college athletes and nonathletes. Journal of College Counseling, 4(2), 122–132. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.2001.tb00192.x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krentz, M.E., & Warschburger, P. (2011). A longitudinal investigation of sports-related risk factors for disordered eating in aesthetic sports. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 23(3), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01380.x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kron, L., Katz, J.L., Gorzynski, G., & Weiner, H. (1978). Hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: A fundamental clinical feature. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 19(5), 433–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-440X(78)90072-X

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McNair, D.M., Lorr, M., & Doppleman, L. (1971). Manual for the profile of mood states. Educational and Industrial Testing Service.

  • McNamara, J., & McCabe, M.P. (2012). Striving for success or addiction? Exercise dependence among elite Australian athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(8), 755–766. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.667879

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Menczel, Z., Griffiths, M.D., Vingender, I., Eisinger, A., Farkas, J., Magi, A., Mervó, B., Kökönyei G., & Demetrovics, Z. (2017). Exercise dependence in amateur competitors and non-competitor recreational exercisers. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(3), 580–587. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-016-9661-7

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Morgan, J.F., Reid, F., & Lacey, J.H. (1999). The SCOFF questionnaire: Assessment of a new screening tool for eating disorders. British Medical Journal, 319(7223), 1467–1468. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.319.7223.1467

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Müller, A., Claes, L., Wos, K., Kerling, A., Wünsch-Leiteritz, W., Cook, B., & de Zwaan, M. (2015). Temperament and risk for exercise dependence: Results of a pilot study in female patients with eating disorders compared to elite athletes. Psychopathology, 48(4), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.1159/000436978

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ogden, J., Veale, D., & Summers, Z. (1997). The development and validation of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire. Addiction Research, 5(4), 343–355. https://doi.org/10.3109/16066359709004348

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ravaldi, C., Vannacci, A., Zucchi, T., Mannucci, E., Cabras, P.L., Boldrini, M., Murciano, L., Rotella, C.M., & Ricca, V. (2003). Eating disorders and body image disturbances among ballet dancers, gymnasium users and body builders. Psychopathology, 36(5), 247–254. https://doi.org/10.1159/000073450

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reche, C., De Francisco, C., Martínez-Rodríguez, A., & Ros-Martínez, A. (2018). Relationship among sociodemographic and sport variables, exercise dependence, and burnout: A preliminary study in athletes. Anales de Psicologia, 34(2), 398–404. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.34.2.289861

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reel, J.J., SooHoo, S., Doetsch, H., Carter, J.E., & Petrie, A.T. (2007). The female athlete triad: Is the triad a problem among division I athletes? Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 1(4), 358–370.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reinking, M.F., & Alexander, L.E. (2005). Prevalence of disordered-eating behaviors in undergraduate female collegiate athletes and nonathletes. Journal of Athletic Training, 40(1), 47.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Richert, A.J., & Hummers, J.A. (1986). Patterns of physical activity in college students at possible risk for eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 5(4), 757–763. https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-108X(198605)5:4<757::AID-EAT2260050414>3.0.CO;2-0

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sanford-Martens, T.C., Davidson, M.M., Yakushko, O.F., Martens, M.P., & Hinton, P. (2005). Clinical and subclinical eating disorders: An examination of collegiate athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200590907586

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smink, F.R., Van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H.W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406–414. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0282-y

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sundgot-Borgen, J. (1993). Prevalence of eating disorders in elite female athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 3(1), 29–40. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsn.3.1.29

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sundgot-Borgen, J. (1994). Risk and trigger factors for the development of eating disorders in female elite athletes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 26(4), 414–419. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199404000-00003

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sundgot-Borgen, J. & Torstveit, M.K. (2004). Prevalence of eating disorders in elite athletes is higher than in the general population. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 14(1), 25–32.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thome, J.L. & Espelage, D.L. (2007). Obligatory exercise and eating pathology in college females: Replication and development of a structural model. Eating Behaviors, 8(3), 334–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2006.11.009

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thompson, R.A. (1987). Management of the athlete with an eating disorder: Implications for the sport management team. The Sport Psychologist, 1(2), 112–126. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.1.2.114

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wilkins, J.A., Boland, F.J., & Albinson, J. (1991). A comparison of male and female university athletes and nonathletes on eating disorder indices: Are athletes protected? Journal of Sport Behavior, 14(2), 129.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yates, A. (1991). Compulsive exercise and the eating disorders: Toward an integrated theory of activity. Psychology Press.

  • Yates, A., Leehey, K., & Shisslak, C. M. (1983). Running—An analogue of anorexia? New England Journal of Medicine, 308(5), 251–255. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198302033080504

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zucker, N.L., Womble, L.G., Mlliamson, D.A., & Perrin, L.A. (1999). Protective factors for eating disorders in female college athletes. Eating Disorders, 7(3), 207–218. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640269908249286

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1958 1285 165
Full Text Views 72 43 2
PDF Downloads 87 46 1