Aesthetic Athletes Research Articles

Perfectionism, disordered eating and well-being in aesthetic sports: The mediating role of passion

Aesthetic athletes face higher risks of disordered eating, and perfectionism is one of the determinants involved. While research suggests that perfectionism in sport may play a role in physical and psychological well-being, its influence remains to be confirmed. As such, further examination of the influence of perfectionism on health is warranted as it could lead to better interventions. This preregistered research sought to shed new light on these relationships by investigating the mediating role of passion in the perfectionism-disordered eating relationship as well as physical and psychological well-being in aesthetic sports. In Study 1, 229 American recreational and competitive athletes practicing either gymnastics (n = 150) or artistic swimming (n = 79) were recruited on MTurk to complete an online questionnaire. The same recruitment procedure was used for Study 2, with 107 American gymnasts (n = 69) and artistic swimmers (n = 38) completing the questionnaire at two timepoints, one year apart. Results from path analyses showed that socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with obsessive passion, which in turn was associated with disordered eating. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with both obsessive and harmonious passion, the latter being more adaptative as it was associated with physical and psychological well-being. Thus, the way one engages in aesthetic sports matters, as engaging with obsessive passion may take a toll on one’s health and lead to disordered eating. Conversely, fostering harmonious engagement seems to temper the negative associations between perfectionism and health outcomes and promote positive relationships with athlete’s well-being, but requires further study.

Preventing eating pathology among elite adolescent ballet dancers: a pilot trial of the Athlete Body Project

ABSTRACT Adolescent ballet dancers are commonly recognized as aesthetic athletes who are at higher risk for body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and eating disorders. Although athletic participation can generally protect against negative mental and physical health outcomes, idealization of a body ideal specific to ballet can confer unique vulnerability for eating pathology. Despite this known vulnerability, rigorous efforts to prevent eating pathology among young dancers are lacking. Previously, we reported on a trial of the Female Athlete Body Project adapted for professional female ballet dancers. The current study tested a subsequent adaptation, the Athlete Body Project (ABP), tailored for younger dancers, including a version for boys. This non-randomized, uncontrolled pilot trial tested ABP among boys and girls in two elite ballet schools (N = 23), formatted in-person and via video-conferencing. Program delivery met benchmarks for feasibility and acceptability across gender and delivery formats, and dancers provided positive qualitative feedback. Overall results suggest the potential of ABP in intervening on pre-post eating pathology and body appreciation, and significantly decreasing drive for muscularity among young ballet dancers. Taken together, this pilot work addresses a gap in the field and advances the needed development of eating disorder prevention programming for young, high-risk aesthetic athletes.

Psychological Aspects of Dance

The purpose of this article was to review a range of psychology-related topics in dance including anxiety and dance performance, body image, eating disorders, and injury. While most of those were already present in the extant sport and exercise psychology literature, this article tried to discuss those as they specifically relate to dance and the psychology of it. Many findings showed overlaps with sports domains. For example, ballet dancers and other aesthetic athletes may frequently present body image and eating disorders issues. Psychological interventions can be very beneficial for group cohesion, self-confidence, and anxiety management. Educational interventions providing information on nutrition, exercise, and disordered eating are critical to decreasing depression, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and maturity in dancers. Future research needs to examine the differences between dance styles, and further scientific research on psychological aspects of dance is required.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Female Aesthetic Athletes

Eating disorders, a spectrum of psychological diseases (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorders) that can cause adverse impacts on health, are prevalent in athletes. Female athletes in aesthetic sports, where the thin-ideal body figure is highly valued by judges and audiences, are at highest risk of developing eating disorders. This review paper examines current research on major risk factors, diagnosis, and interventions regarding aesthetic athletes’ abnormal eating behaviors and eating disorders. The interconnected influence of social and sport pressures, including parents & coaches’ influences, body dissatisfaction, and achievement goals have been found to be the major risk factors. Culture can also exert influence on the development of eating disorders. This paper reviews the screening tools, which primarily consist of self-reported questionnaires, used to identify eating disorders as well as education-based preventions and intervention programs. Finally, the limitations of current research in the field majorly lies in the validation of screening tools and interventions.

THE IMPACT OF RECEIVING A CRITICAL WEIGHT/SHAPE COMMENT ON FEMALE AESTHETIC ATHLETES’ WELLBEING

This study investigated whether female aesthetic athletes (a subset of athletes including dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters) who recall receiving critical comments about their weight/shape report poorer wellbeing compared to those who do not. Female aesthetic athletes (N= 381) completed measures assessing psychological wellbeing (self-esteem, anxiety), disordered eating and compulsive exercise behaviours/attitudes. Participants who recalled receiving a critical comment about their weight/ shape (N= 251) reported higher levels of disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem. Greater awareness is needed of the potential negative impact that such critical comments may have on athlete wellbeing.

Increased Female Athlete Triad Knowledge Among Collegiate Dancers Following a Brief Educational Video Intervention.

The female athlete triad (triad) is prevalent among aesthetic athletes, including dancers. However, there is limited research regarding triad knowledge or triad educational interventions among collegiate dancers. This study was intended to help correct that shortage. Participants (N = 24) completed two questionnaires: one assessed demographics, triad risk, and disordered eating (DE) risk; the other measured triad knowledge before and after viewing a 10-minute triad video. Twenty-seven percent of participants were found to be at risk for DE, 27% were at risk for the triad, and 8% were at risk for both. Significant improvements in triad knowledge were observed following the educational video; 4.08 ± 1.83 pre-intervention to 6.75 ± 0.09 post-intervention out of a possible 7, p < 0.001. There were no differences in triad knowledge when comparing freshmen and sophomores to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. This research confirms that triad education should be a continuous component of collegiate dancers' curricula to promote their overall health and wellness, and that the triad video can be an effective educational tool for supporting that goal.

Eating attitudes and body image concerns among female athletes from aesthetic sports

Purpose: Research has suggested that in female athletes from aesthetic sports the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes is higher than in female athletes from other sports, mainly due to sport related factors like extreme training and practicing sports associated with high pressure and the idea that “being thin leads to success”. The study was conducted to examine the prevalence of disturbed eating attitudes and their relationship with body image concerns in aesthetic and non-aesthetic female athletes. Methods: 54 female athletes from aesthetic sports (synchronized swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, and dance), as well as 66 female athletes from non-aesthetic sports (volleyball, track and field, and soccer), completed the Eating Attitudes Test, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Figure Rating Scale (a visual scale used to assess body image dissatisfaction and body image dissatisfaction in relation to sport). Results: The results indicated that aesthetic athletes scored significantly higher than those involved in non-aesthetic sports in Dieting, and in Body Image Dissatisfaction. Moreover, aesthetic athletes demonstrated significantly lower BMI mean scores. Significant correlations were found between Body Mass Index and Oral Control, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Body Image Dissatisfaction in relation to Sport, and between Eating Attitudes Test and the Body Shape Questionnaire results in aesthetic athletes. Furthermore, significant associations were found between Body Mass Index and Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Body Image Dissatisfaction in relation to Sport, and Eating Attitudes Test and Body Shape Questionnaire in non-aesthetic athletes. Conclusion: The study confirmed the relationship between body image concerns and pathological eating attitudes among female aesthetic sport athletes.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQOL) MEASURES USED IN DANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Dancers are aesthetic athletes who engage in rigorous physical activity. Researchers have noted that 50-85% of dancers are injured annually. Therefore, clinicians have begun providing healthcare for dancers. As part of standard care, clinicians often use health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures to examine their patient's physical, mental, and social health. While clinicians have previously used several measures to examine athletes' HRQoL, which measures are used to examine dancers' HRQoL remains unclear. This lack of information may make it difficult for clinicians working with dancers to understand their patients' overall wellbeing and impede their ability to devise appropriate treatment plans. Review existing literature on HRQoL instruments used to measure dancers' health and wellbeing. Systematic Review. Three databases were searched (EBSCO Host, Web of Science, and ProQuest Performing Arts) through March 2019 to identify studies that used HRQoL measures to study dancers. Four studies qualified based on the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers independently scored the studies using (1) the modified Downs and Black Quality Index Tool (mDB) yielding a percentage out of 28 possible points scoring methodological rigor; (2) Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) tool (i.e. A, B, or C); and (3) Level of Evidence(i.e. Level 1, 2, or 3). Any disagreement was resolved by discussion and a third reviewer (JPA) was available when consensus could not be reached. All four studies ranged from 46.4-60.7% of mDB scores, B or C strength of recommendations, and Level 2 evidence. Eight different HRQoL instruments were used across the four studies. Although no two HRQoL measures were the same across studies, several measures had variations of similar overlapping constructs, and all measured some mental health construct. Overall, eight different measures were used to examine dancers' HRQoL. All measures examine some construct of mental health. This finding is important considering the mental aspect of dance. Additional research is needed to examine which measures are suitable to study dancers' HRQoL. Clinicians can use this information to track their dancers' overall wellbeing by noting how HRQoL fluctuates over a season, after injury, and over a dancer's career - overall reducing their dancers' injury risk and enhancing performance. Level 1a.

Influence of organised sports practice during adolescence on health of adult women with special emphasis on participation in aesthetic sports

This study aimed to assess the differences in psychosocial health and cardiometabolic risk during adulthood in women based on previously organised sport (OS) participation during adolescence and current activity levels, with emphasis on participation in aesthetic sports. The study included 1947 women aged 18–55 years who were categorised into four groups: 355 aesthetic athletes during adolescence, 494 non- aesthetic athletes during adolescence, 791 non-athletes during adolescence with similar current levels of physical activity (PA) to OS groups and 307 currently inactive non-athletes during adolescence. Participants answered questionnaires regarding sport participation, psychosocial health and cardiometabolic risk. The results show that non-athletes during adolescence who are currently inactive reported significantly lower psychosocial health and higher cardiometabolic risk scores. Women with currently homogenous PA levels (χ² = 0.514) reported similar physical quality of life (QoL), exercise addiction, anxiety and depression symptoms regardless of participation in OS during adolescence (P > .05), except aesthetic athletes who reported the worst sleep and mental QoL. Very high training volumes in aesthetic athletes did not influence psychological outcomes and cardiometabolic risk in adulthood compared to lower training volumes. In conclusion, the effects of PA during adulthood appear to be powerful enough to induce beneficial adaptations in health outcomes that match those observed in women who participate in OS during adolescence, except for aesthetic sports participants, who show a high risk of lower quality of sleep in adulthood. PA should be promoted in adults and especially women who have not participated in OS during adolescence.

RISK OF EATING DISORDERS IN SLOVENIAN ADOLESCENT AESTHETIC ATHLETES AND THEIR NON-ATHLETIC COLLEAGUES

Eating disorders are an emerging problem, especially adolescence is a delicate phase of life. In aesthetic athletes, sport specifics factors play an important role in developing eating disorders. The primary goal of study was to compare the prevalence of risk of eating disorders among athletes and non-athletes and secondary to observe the differences in body composition and eating habits. A total of 167 girls and 164 boys, aged 15 – 17 years completed a sick, control, onestone, fat, food (SCOFF) questionnaire for detecting risk for eating disorders. Weight and body composition were measured using a bioelectrical impedance machine. Overall, 34,1 % of athletes and 39,8 % of controls were classified as at risk for eating disorders with higher prevalence among girls and no differences between athletes and non-athletes. There were no significant differences in body composition between at-risk and no risk group, but average values shows tendency in percentage of fat and muscle mass. Skipping breakfast can increase risk of eating disorders. These finding demonstrate that not only BMI, but also specific body composition parameters should be studied in the future when identifying at-risk groups for eating disorders and skipping breakfast can lead to eating disorders which are expressed as low body mass.

Higher-protein intake improves body composition index in female collegiate dancers.

Aesthetic athletes strive to attain an ideal body image and the physical demands placed on dancers make their body composition and fitness equally as important as their technique. Body composition has shown positive changes in response to increased protein intake and may improve aesthetics of dance performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which supplemental whey protein (PRO) would improve body composition in female collegiate dancers compared with an isocaloric placebo (PLA). Twenty-one (age, 19.6 ± 1.4 years) female collegiate dancers were randomly assigned to consume PRO or PLA (25 g, 3×/day) for 12 weeks. Laboratory testing at weeks 0, 6, and 12 included 24-h urine collection, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), resting metabolic rate, and performance. Data were reported as means ± SD. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Body weight, fat mass, and lean soft tissue did not change between groups or over time. Body composition index (BCI = [(LSTpost - LSTpre) + (FMpre - FMpost)]; where LST is lean soft tissue, FM is fat mass, pre is pre-intervention, and post is post-intervention) significantly improved over time in PRO (+0.6 ± 1.9) but not PLA (-1.8 ± 3.1; p = 0.048); however, neither group demonstrated changes in laboratory performance tests. Protein supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved BCI and provided a simple way to improve the diet in female collegiate dancers. Novelty Twelve weeks of protein supplementation does not change body weight in female collegiate dancers. BCI improves following protein supplementation in female collegiate dancers.

Motivational Climate Profiles, Pubertal Status, and Well-Being Among Female Adolescent Aesthetic Sport Athletes.

Girls participating in aesthetic sports may be at risk for disordered eating and low self-esteem. Informed by self-determination theory, the authors examined motivational climate profiles to understand how climate dimensions differentially relate to psychological needs satisfaction, self-esteem, and disordered eating. Female gymnasts, divers, and figure skaters (N = 183; mean age = 13.5) completed a survey to assess perceptions of the motivational climate, perceived sport competence, autonomy, relatedness, self-esteem, and dieting. Pubertal status was assessed to control for developmental differences. Three profiles emerged: High Important Role/Low Performance, High Effort and Cooperation/High Rivalry, and Low Mastery/High Unequal Recognition and Punishment. A 3 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance revealed profile groups significantly differed on perceived autonomy, coach relatedness, and teammate relatedness. In addition, perceived competence, self-esteem, and dieting significantly differed by pubertal status. For autonomy, the High Important Role/Low Performance group reported the highest scores. For coach and teammate relatedness, the Low Mastery/High Unequal Recognition and Punishment group reported significantly lower scores than the other 2 groups. Postpubertal girls reported lower sport ability and self-esteem and greater dieting. Physical maturity and social context were important in explaining girls' psychological needs satisfaction and well-being. Results add to the authors' understanding of the complex nature and influence of the motivational climate.

Female Athlete Body Project Intervention with Professional Dancers: A Pilot Trial

ABSTRACT As aesthetic athletes, professional dancers have increased vulnerability for eating disorders (EDs), with three times higher risk than non-dancers. Among ballet dancers, generalized risk for EDs associated with internalization of western cultural female beauty ideals is compounded by idealization of a ballet-specific body ideal, a combination that confers unique vulnerability for eating pathology. Empirical support has been established for an athlete-specific intervention promoting body acceptance and reduced eating pathology among general populations of young-adult women and female collegiate athletes; the current study adapted this intervention for pilot implementation among professional ballet dancers. Participants from two elite ballet companies (N = 19) were randomized to a control and intervention condition. All participants self-reported eating pathology and related variables pre- and post-intervention, and at six-week follow-up. Post-intervention, participants receiving the intervention demonstrated reductions in body dissatisfaction, p = .005, r = −.63, dietary restraint, p = .008, r = −.59, and eating pathology, p = .007, r = −.60, as compared to control group counterparts; significant differences were retained at follow-up. Results provide preliminary evidence that this intervention has the potential to provide a feasible and acceptable means of ED prevention in female professional ballet dancers. Barriers to feasibility are identified and discussed.

Biopsychosocial Characteristics of Contemporary and Irish University-Level Student Dancers A Pilot Study.

In addition to the difficulties encountered by non-dancing university students, university-level dancers may encounter a range of challenges due to their status as aesthetic athletes. This pilot study compares the biopsychosocial characteristics of contemporary dance (CD) and Irish dance (ID) university students. CD (N = 30) and ID (N = 27) participants from institutions in Ireland and the United Kingdom were screened using a host of subjective and objective tools to establish baseline biopsychosocial characteristics. Participants also provided extensive information regarding their injury history over the previous year. The groups were compared using simple descriptive statistics, independent t-test or Mann Whitney U tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. CD participants danced for significantly more hours each week (p < 0.001) than the ID group, who spent significantly less time warming up (p < 0.001) and more time engaged in weekly non-dance-related physical activities (p = 0.022). CD participants performed significantly better that the ID group on the Star Excursion Balance Test (p = < 0.001), plank-hold (p = 0.004), and fitness test (p = 0.045). Substantial rates of injury were reported by both groups, with no significant difference in terms of number of injuries or days lost to injury (p > 0.05). Indications of a shared dancer mentality including ego-driven motivation, passion for dance, and lower mood were present and required vigilance on the part of teachers and coaches to mitigate possible negative physical and psychological consequences. Additionally, CD participants demonstrated higher levels of catastrophizing (p = 0.019) and reported significantly more subjective health complaints (p = 0.010) than the ID group.

EXPANDING THE ARENA OF SPORT NUTRITION

Apply It! A sports RDN can help active individuals of all levels and abilities achieve their performance and/or health goals. At the end of this article, you should be able to apply your knowledge to: Consider referring patients or clients who work in physically demanding professions or environments to a sports RDN even if they aren’t “traditional” athletes. Look for an RDN who has the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential. Summary Statement Outside of collegiate and professional athletics, the expertise of the sports RDN is highly underused. Find out how sports RDNs working with less traditional athlete populations have found their niche and are expanding the arena of sport nutrition practice. Pulled Text Among different styles of dance, ballet dancers tend to be the leanest and have the lowest body fat percentages (6,7). They generally have low energy intake (70%–80% of recommended) and high rates of eating disorders (EDs) or disordered eating behaviors. It is estimated that their risk for developing an ED is three times that of nondancers (8). The most common manifestations of low energy availability that Moretti encounters in her practice are menstrual irregularities, iron deficiency, gastrointestinal issues, and bone stress injuries. She explains that, “dancers are aesthetic athletes, which means there is a delicate balance between maintaining a strong body and supporting the aesthetic ideals of the profession. My role is to help these dancers achieve both.” “High schools are an untapped opportunity to provide and support both the development of good eating habits for performance but also for lifelong health and wellness. The reality is that only 6% to 8% of high school athletes will continue with their sport in college, and providing education to this group will hopefully set them on a path to become healthier and understand the role food has on their body, not just for performance but when sports end.”

"In Favor of Myself for Athletes": A Controlled Trial to Improve Disordered Eating, Body-Image and Self-Care in Adolescent Female Aesthetic Athletes

Objective: An eating disorder can have devastating effects on an athlete’s health and performance, especially in athletes participating in sports in which low body weight or leanness confers a competitive advantage. The current study aimed to develop and examine the impact of a prevention program focused on positive protective factors, to reduce the risk of development of eating disorders and health-compromising behaviors among aesthetic athletes.Methods: Participants were 49 female figure skaters and dancers aged 10-16 years (13.1 ± 1.6) and 46 age-andbranch- matched controls. The intervention program included ten weekly 45 min structured sessions, focusing on promoting self-care habits and positive body esteem. The program was team-based and included multiple interactive methods. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up using the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire-8, the Thin-Ideal Internalization and Socio- Cultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, the Body Esteem Scale, and the Body Appreciation Scale.Results: Aesthetic athletes in the prevention program

An Examination of the Differences of Characteristics Which are Psychologically Related to Disordered Eating of Female High School Athletes in Aesthetic and Non-Aesthetic Sports

A baseline study was conducted. There appears to be significant pressure for athletes in aesthetic sports to be thin, especially as physical and aesthetic aspects greatly influence judgements in competitions. Remarkable mental distress and extreme weight control are risk factors for eating disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological characteristics in female adolescent aesthetic athletes. The sample consisted of 12 female aesthetic athletes and 19 female non-aesthetic athletes, aged between 15 and 18 years. The psychological characteristics were assessed using POMS 2®-Y (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Youth) scores before and after the games. Disordered eating was assessed using AEBS (Abnormal Eating Behavior Scale). The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, t-test and two-way ANOVA. The pre-game scores of POMS 2®-Y negative items in the baton twirling players were significantly higher than those in hand ball players. On the other hand, the post-game scores showed no significant differences between the two groups. Correlations were found between the scores in most of the negative items of POMS 2®-Y and AEBS total score. We suggested that aesthetic athletes had more negative mood states related to disordered eating than non-aesthetic athletes before games. Nutrition education should be conducted with an emphasis on these psychologically characteristics in aesthetic athletes.

Differences in Total Body Fat and Body Fat Percentage Between Performance and Aesthetic Collegiate Athletes

Differences in Total Body Fat and Body Fat Percentage Between Performance and Aesthetic Collegiate Athletes

The Internalisation of Sociocultural and Thin-Ideal Standards in Sports Scale: Development and preliminary validation in female aesthetic sports athletes

Thinness is a part of today's sociocultural standards of beauty and thus is implicated in body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. In female aesthetic sports, thinness is a standard for aesthetics and performance. Measuring the internalisation of thin-ideal standards in these athletes may therefore help them to gain insight into the risks associated with body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating. This study aimed to develop and validate the Internalisation of Sociocultural and Thin-Ideal Standards in Sports (ISTISS) Scale. Four studies involving 357 female aesthetic athletes examined the exploratory factorial structure, temporal stability, and concurrent validity of the ISTISS, which gave rise to a 10-item scale with two subscales: internalisation of sociocultural standards and thin-ideal standards in sports. Internal consistencies were satisfactory and relationships with the self-regulation of eating attitude in sport were as expected. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the appropriateness of the ISTISS Scale for female aesthetic sports athletes.

The Internalisation of Sociocultural and Thin-Ideal Standards in Sports scale: Development and preliminary validation in female athletes participating in aesthetic sports

Thinness is a part of today's sociocultural standards of beauty and thus is implicated in body-image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. In female aesthetic sports, thinness is a standard for aesthetics and performance. Measuring the internalisation of thin-ideal standards in these athletes may therefore help athletes, coaches, parents, administrators, sport psychologists, and so on to gain insight into the risks associated with body-image dissatisfaction and disordered eating. This study aimed to develop and validate the Internalisation of Sociocultural and Thin-Ideal Standards in Sports (ISTISS) scale. Four studies involving 357 female aesthetic athletes examined the exploratory factorial structure, temporal stability, and concurrent validity of the ISTISS, which gave rise to a 10-item scale with two subscales: internalisation of sociocultural standards and thin-ideal standards in sports. Internal consistencies were satisfactory and relationships with the self-regulation of eating attitude in sport were as expected. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the appropriateness of the ISTISS scale for female aesthetic sports athletes.