Disordered Eating and Body Image Perception in Male High School Athletes and Non-Athletes

Abstract

Disordered eating and body image have traditionally been thought to be preoccupations of mainly females. However, body image has become a concern of males due to the societal pressures to attain a masculine physique. At the same time, it appears that disordered eating occurs more often in males than previously thought. However, there is limited information on high school males and whether differences exist among high school male athletes and non-athletes with regards to disordered eating and body image perception. Measures of disordered eating (EAT-26) and body image (Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire-MBSRQ) were collected from 203 athletes and 340 non-athletes. Overall, 4.4% of the athletes and 10% of the non-athletes had scores on the EAT-26 which were indicative of disordered eating. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the athletes and non-athletes on 7 of the 10 MBSRQ subscales. These differences indicated that the athletes compared to the non-athletes are more health conscious and feel in good health; value fitness and feel more physically fit; and are more content and satisfied with their body. There were no significant differences related to the extent of reactivity to illness; their self-perception of weight; and their anxiety towards fat, dieting and eating restraint. The results of this study suggest that participation in sport may enhance body image in high school males. It appears that the prevalence of disordered eating and poor body image may be greater in high school male non-athletes compared to high school male athletes.