PROGRAMS ON A DIET?: AN EXAMINATION OF ATHLETIC DEPARTMENTS’ EATING DISORDER POLICIES AT NCAA DIVISION I UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine which NCAA Division I universities have an eating disorder policy specific to collegiate athletes. Demographic factors were also assessed for their relationship to whether or not a university has a specific policy. An additional goal of the study was to examine currently existing policies, assess common themes between them, and determine which themes are most appropriate and beneficial for future policies. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Participants of the study were the 128 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision universities. The research design involved a documentary analysis to determine which universities currently have a policy specific to athletes with eating disorders. An online search for policies yielded 13 official policies, primarily found through a general Google search. For the universities in which an online search did not provide results, athletic department personnel were contacted by email requesting the status of their policies in relation to athletes with eating disorders. Of the 115 universities that were contacted, 50 universities replied. Through analysis of the email responses, the researcher found an additional 20 universities with a specific policy regarding athletes with eating disorders. In total, the researcher found 33 of the 128 universities (26%) to have an official policy specific to athletes with eating disorders. Existing policies were analyzed and coded into themes. The researcher found 16 major themes that were recurring throughout existing policies. Each theme was analyzed individually to determine recurring patterns. The researcher found between four and six recurring patterns per major theme.