Differences between boulderers and top rope climbers in the relationship between anxiety and disordered eating

Abstract

PurposeDisordered eating (DE) has been associated with elevated anxiety, high stress, and low self-esteem and occurs often in sports where weight is a limiting factor. Sport climbing in general provides a combination in these aspects but the relevance of a low body weight differs in the different climbing types (e.g., weight supported top rope climbing vs non-supported bouldering). To date, these differences have yet been investigated, while they might provide useful insight into the mechanisms of disordered eating and potential preventative strategies. This study aimed to assess the influence of different types of climbing (bouldering vs top rope) on the relation between anxiety and DE.Methods59 rock climbers (male, n = 38; female, n = 21; mean age = 28.33 ± 7.4 years) completed a survey (including the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Mental toughness Questionnaire, Cattell's Anxiety Scale Questionnaire) investigating preferred climbing style, trait anxiety, mental toughness, and eating behavior.ResultsBoulderers showed a higher anxiety score compared to top rope climbers. Among boulderers, higher anxiety levels were associated with lower mental toughness. Among top rope climbers, anxiety was associated with emotional and external eating behavior.ConclusionFindings showed a higher anxiety in boulderers but no greater measures of DE. It is possible that, through their experience in a high anxiety environment, boulderers have been able to develop effective coping strategies that have a protective effect against DE.