Relations between sports participation and eating disorders among late adolescent males and females: An analysis of cohort effects

Previous studies suggest that sports participation may be a protective and promotive context for adolescents' healthy eating and weight-related attitudes and behaviors. However, mechanisms by which the sports milieu may promote either healthful or risky eating behaviors and attitudes are unclear. Using data from the Tufts Longitudinal Health Study (TLHS), relations among aspects of the sports environment, including sports participation (SP) and athletic identity (AI), were examined for their influence on males' and females' eating and weight-related behaviors and attitudes, internalizing risk, and psychological well-being. Participants were 1,091 first-year college students (mean =18.5 years; 66% female) from nine successive cohorts (1999-2007). Hierarchal linear regression analyses were conducted separately for males and females, using Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) subscales, two composites measuring restrictive eating attitudes (HBS-REA) and body shape and weight concern (HBS-BSWC), depression, and well-being as criterion variables, and SP, AI and cohort status as predictors. Analyses adjusted for BMI-z and perceived weight status. Results indicated indirect effects of SP and AI on females' restrictive eating attitudes and males' body shape and weight concerns. Overall, the relations between SP, AI, actual and perceived weight status, and mean levels of disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and participants' mental health remained fairly constant across cohorts. Neither SP nor AI were associated with depression and psychological well-being among both males and females. These results suggest that SP and AI alone do not necessarily protect against or promote eating disorder risk among college males and females. Research focused on the interaction among aspects of the sports environment and of the individual is necessary to enhance examination of these complex relations. Implications for research and practice related to sports participation and adolescent development are discussed.