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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Jan;9(1):31-42.
doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.09.005. Epub 2011 Oct 22.

Can we reduce eating disorder risk factors in female college athletes? A randomized exploratory investigation of two peer-led interventions

Carolyn Black Becker  1 , Leda McDaniel, Stephanie Bull, Marc Powell, Kevin McIntyre
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Can we reduce eating disorder risk factors in female college athletes? A randomized exploratory investigation of two peer-led interventions

Carolyn Black Becker et al. Body Image. 2012 Jan.

Abstract

Female athletes are at least as at risk as other women for eating disorders (EDs) and at risk for the female athlete triad (i.e., inadequate energy availability, menstrual disorders, and osteoporosis). This study investigated whether two evidence-based programs appear promising for future study if modified to address the unique needs of female athletes. Athletes were randomly assigned to athlete-modified dissonance prevention or healthy weight intervention (AM-HWI). ED risk factors were assessed pre/post-treatment, and 6-week and 1-year follow-up. Results (analyzed sample, N=157) indicated that both interventions reduced thin-ideal internalization, dietary restraint, bulimic pathology, shape and weight concern, and negative affect at 6 weeks, and bulimic pathology, shape concern, and negative affect at 1 year. Unexpectedly we observed an increase in students spontaneously seeking medical consultation for the triad. Qualitative results suggested that AM-HWI may be more preferred by athletes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
FABP CONSORT flowchart of participant movement through the study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Abood DA, Black DR. Health education prevention for eating disorders among college female athletes. American Journal of Health Behavior. 2000;24:209–219.
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    1. Becker CB, Wilson C, Williams A, Kelly M, McDaniel L, Elmquist J. Peer- facilitated cognitive dissonance versus healthy weight eating disorders prevention: A randomized comparison. Body Image. 2010;7:280–288. - PubMed

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