Function Over Form: A Longitudinal Study of Predictors and Mediation Pathways for Disordered Eating in Elite Athletes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aetiological pathway from societal pressure to meet appearance ideals to disordered eating through appearance-based concerns (e.g., drive for thinness) is well established in the general population; however, its relevance for elite athletes is unclear. This study investigated longitudinal predictors and mediation pathways for disordered eating in athletes, including sports and societal pressures as risk factors, and appearance-based concerns and athlete-specific cognitions as mediators.

Methods

Elite athletes predominantly from Australia and the US completed online surveys at baseline between March-September 2023 (T1, N = 178, 72.4% female, M_age = 23.9, SD_age = 7.0), with follow-ups at 6-months (T2, N = 110) and 12-months (T3, N = 91). Th

SUBMITTER: Fatt SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12511484 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature