Body Dissatisfaction, Obligatory Exercise & Menstrual Irregularity Among NCAA Division II Female Athletes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION It is imperative to identify which athletes (sports) within NCAA Division II female collegiate athletic programs are at the greatest risk for unhealthy practices such as excessive or compulsive exercise and body dissatisfaction. While similar studies have been completed on NCAA Division I and III collegiate female athletes, no study has evaluated body dissatisfaction, obligatory exercise and menstrual irregularities in NCAA Division II female college athletes. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate body dissatisfaction, obligatory exercise, and menstrual irregularity among NCAA Division II female collegiate athletes across sports. METHODS Subjects consisted of 95 NCAA Division II female collegiate athletes (volleyball, basketball, track, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, swimming, softball) ranging in age from 18 to 23. Subjects completed a survey questionnaire including demographic questions, Body Contour Rating Scale, Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and Obligatory Exercise (OE) questionnaires, and Muscularity Rating Scale. RESULTS Sixty-eight percent affirmed that their menstrual cycle was regular, while 16% reported not regularly cycling. Forty percent of athletes initiated 1–4 diets in the past year. Twenty-four percent of the athletes scored at risk of body dissatisfaction, while 10% engaged in obligatory exercise. Significance (p <0.05) was found between obligatory exercise and body dissatisfaction, and BMI and body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION The results suggest that NCAA Division II female athletes do experience body dissatisfaction, engage in obligatory exercise, and suffer from menstrual irregularities.