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Investigating eating disorders in elite gymnasts: conceptual, ethical and methodological issues
Jacinta Tan1, Andrew Bloodworth, Mike McNamee
1a College of Human and Health Sciences , Swansea University , Swansea , UK.
European Journal of Sport Science
|February 19, 2014
Summary
Elite athletes, especially gymnasts, face high eating disorder risks due to performance demands on body weight and shape. Research must explore sociological, ethical, and sport-specific factors influencing these risks.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Elite sports, particularly gymnastics, emphasize aesthetic and performance-related body ideals.
- Adolescent athletes are vulnerable to body image concerns during identity development.
- The pressure to maintain optimal weight and shape for elite performance heightens eating disorder risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence and contributing factors of eating disorders in elite sports.
- To address the sociological and ethical dimensions of eating disorders within athletic contexts.
- To explore the ethos of sports that prioritize aesthetic and weight considerations.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of research challenges.
- Ethical considerations in studying vulnerable populations.
- Methodological issues in eating disorder research within elite sports.
Main Results:
- Eating disorders present significant risks in aesthetic-focused elite sports.
- Sociological and ethical factors are crucial in understanding prevalence.
- Sport-specific ethos can exacerbate body image pressures.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to address the complex interplay of factors contributing to eating disorders in elite athletes.
- Ethical and methodological frameworks must be refined for sensitive research in this area.
- Understanding the sport's ethos is vital for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
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