Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders.

Allison B Smith,Jennifer L Gay,Eva V Monsma,Shawn M Arent,Dawn M Emerson,Toni M Torres-Mcgehee,Mark A Sarzynski

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042196

Abstract

Social agents associated with cheerleading environments are increasingly linked to body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (ED). This study examined ED risk across team type, squad type, and position. An additional purpose determined BID in clothing type (daily clothing, midriff uniform, and full uniform), and meta-perceptions from the perspective of peers (MP peers), parents (MP parents), and coaches (MP coaches). Female cheerleaders (n = 268) completed an online survey which included demographics, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and pathogenic behavior questions. Body image perceptions were assessed by using the Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes. Overall, 34.4% of cheerleaders (n = 268; mean age: 17.9 ± 2.7 years) exhibited an ED risk. Compared to All-Star cheerleaders, college cheerleaders demonstrated significant higher ED risk (p = 0.021), dieting subscale scores (p = 0.045), and laxative, diet pill, and diuretic use (p = 0.008). Co-ed teams compared to all-girl teams revealed higher means for the total EAT-26 (p = 0.018) and oral control subscale (p = 0.002). The BID in clothing type revealed that cheerleaders wanted to be the smallest in the midriff option (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.332). The BID from meta-perception revealed that cheerleaders felt that their coaches wanted them to be the smallest (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.106). Cheerleaders are at risk for EDs and BID at any level. Regarding the midriff uniform, MP from the perspective of coaches showed the greatest difference between perceived and desired body image.

Highlights

Over the last three decades, cheerleading has grown in popularity as a competitive sport, with millions of participants across the United States of America [1,2]
The purpose of this study was to examine the overall prevalence of eating disorders (ED) risk, eating attitudes, and pathogenic behaviors of competitive cheerleaders across team type, squad type, and position
The findings of this study indicate cheerleaders, both in the All-Star and college setting, are at risk for EDs and body image dissatisfaction (BID)

Summary

Introduction

Over the last three decades, cheerleading has grown in popularity as a competitive sport, with millions of participants across the United States of America [1,2]. Cheerleading participation was predominately in the high school and collegiate settings. While high school and college cheerleading is still present and popular today, a catalyst for the rapid growth of the sport was the creation of a new cheer category termed All-Star cheerleading, which encompasses competitors ranging from ages 5–18. All-Star cheerleading fosters a competitive arena where young athletes can showcase their abilities that merge dance, power tumbling, and partner stunting into a choreographed two-and-a-half minute routine. All-Star cheerleading teams are made up of members from a gym or club who compete multiple times throughout the year, and performances are evaluated and scored by a panel of judges.

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion