Weighing in on Eating Disorders: Collegiate Swimming Coaches' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Eating Disorders and Unhealthy Weight Loss Behaviors in Female Athletes

Abstract

This study examined collegiate swimming coaches' knowledge and attitudes towards eating disorders and unhealthy weight loss practices within their athletes along with their perceptions of sport specific pressures in swimming. I used a modified version of the 2003 NCAA Questionnaire for Collegiate Coaches of Female Student-Athletes developed and utilized by Sherman, Thompson, Dehass, and Wilfret. I used email to distribute the link to an online version of the survey, and used SPSS to analyze the data. The results suggest that NCAA Division I, II, and III collegiate swimming coaches are aware of the prevalence along with the fact that that athletes do participate in unhealthy weight loss practices and suffer from eating disorders. This study suggests that many coaches are knowledgeable about this topic, but I was unable to conclude whether swimmers experience sport specific pressures that put them at higher risk for or lead to eating disorders. Both participant gender and NCAA division coached were found to present statistically significant differences in survey responses. Despite results being statistically significant, results are consistent with previous research examining eating disorders in sport. Results were not able to conclude if swimmers experience sport specific pressures leading to the development of eating disorders. It is hoped that future research will continue to examine the link between specific sports and the development of ED, as well as focus on providing coaches with more knowledge and education on this topic.