Body image, eating behaviours and weight management in DanceSport competitors

Abstract

As a physical pursuit, DanceSport combines elements of dance performance and elements of sporting competition where, much like aesthetic sports (such as gymnastics, diving, and figure skating), competitors seek not only to be technically superior to their competitors, but also to present a particular ‘ideal’ look while they compete. Research has shown that in both areas individually, dance and aesthetic sports, participants are at an increased risk of developing unhealthy attitudes and behaviours regarding body image, eating patterns and weight management strategies compared to general populations. DanceSport competitors may be at equal or even greater risk of developing body image disturbance and disorders of eating and weight management than has been previously seen in dancers or athletes in aesthetic sports, however, no research (prior to this study) had yet to examine these issues in a DanceSport population. The current research explored physical self-perceptions and patterns of eating and weight control behaviours of male and female ballroom dancers competing at the elite levels of DanceSport. In addition the current research examined factors inherent in the DanceSport environment that may increase the risk for competitors developing body image distortion, disordered eating, and eating disorders. In study 1, a quantitative questionnaire package comprising the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ), and a demographics and weight management strategies survey (designed specifically for this study) was distributed to DanceSport competitors (completions: females n = 20, males n = 6) currently competing in Australia. Subscale scores were calculated for the EAT-26, EDI-2 and PDSQ. Demographic data and weight management strategies were analyzed using summary statistics. Appropriate t tests were undertaken and effect sizes calculated to compare male and female dancers. On the basis of participant responses in the questionnaires, 4 dancers (2 male, and 2 female) were invited to participate in study 2, which consisted of follow-up semi-structured interviews to explore in greater detail their eating and weight management behaviours and to examine the influence of the competitive DanceSport environment on dancers’ physical self-perceptions and related behaviours. Analysis of the data revealed three key findings: DanceSport competitors, particularly females, are at risk of developing body image concerns, unhealthy attitudes regarding eating and engaging in problematic weight management behaviours; elements of the DanceSport environment (training, competition and social) contribute to the risk for competitors; and DanceSport competitors exhibit similar personal qualities (such as perfectionism, high motivation) typically seen in eating disordered populations.