An identity mis-match? The impact of self-reported competition level on the association between athletic identity and disordered eating behaviors

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ObjectiveSelf-reported level of sport competition was examined as a potential moderator of the association between athletic identity and disordered eating behaviors among college students. MethodParticipants were a subset of individuals from a larger study who self-identified as athletes (N = 194; 39.7% female). Questionnaires were completed online and included measures of athletic identity and disordered eating behaviors, as well as items assessing level of sport competition, frequency of physical activity per week both in and out of sport, anthropometrics, and demographic information. Moderation was tested in a multiple linear regression. ResultsControlling for physical activity levels, gender, and BMI, self-reported level of competition moderated the association between athletic identity and disordered eating behaviors (b = −0.01, p = .038; 95% CI = −0.026, −0.0008). Among individuals competing at lower levels of sport competition, higher athletic identity was associated with more disordered eating behaviors (b = −0.05, p = .013; CI = −0.193, −0.024). DiscussionA mismatch between athletic identity and sport competition level was associated disordered eating behaviors. Individuals engaging in sport at a “non-competitive” level may be an under-identified and under-served population. A mis-match between athletic identity and sport competition level may be a risk factor for disordered eating. Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.