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Published on: June 5, 2016
Learning experiences in dance class predict adult eating disturbance
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA. amannus@uky.edu
Summary
Dance training can increase eating disorder risk. Specific learning about thinness in dance classes, not just participation, is linked to disordered eating in college women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Science
- Nutrition
Background:
- Elite dancers face a higher risk of developing eating disorders.
- The role of specific learning experiences within dance training requires further investigation.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether specific learning about thinness in dance class, rather than mere participation, contributes to eating disorder risk.
- To examine the relationship between dance-related thinness learning, thinness expectancies, and adult disordered eating.
- To identify key factors within dance training that influence the development of eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed approximately 500 college women on their dance experiences.
- Assessed dance-related learning about thinness, eating behaviors and attitudes, and thinness expectancies.
- Analyzed the concurrent relationship between learning experiences and adult disordered eating.
Main Results:
- Total time spent in dance class was not associated with adult eating disturbance.
- Learning experiences concerning thinness during dance classes predicted concurrent adult disordered eating.
- Thinness expectancies mediated the link between learning about thinness and adult eating disturbance.
Conclusions:
- Specific learning experiences about thinness in dance classes are more critical than time spent dancing in relation to eating disorders.
- Dance education focusing on thinness may inadvertently foster disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.
- Interventions should address the content of dance-related learning to mitigate eating disorder risks.
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