A preliminary survey of dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating problems among high school cheerleaders.: An article from: Journal of School Health

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From the author: Cheerleading, a staple of American schools, has received little attention in scholarly research. This sport is considered "high risk" for development of eating disorders; therefore, female, high school cheerleaders (n = 156, mean age = 15.43 years) from the southeastern region were surveyed in this preliminary study to determine rates of dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating problems. Almost one-half of the girls (46%) indicated they were currently trying to lose weight. Body dissatisfaction was significant by race [[chi square] (2, n = 153) = 9.270, p = .010] and was reported by 50% and 73.5% of Black and White girls, respectively. About 13% of girls had EAT-26 scores of 20 or higher (possible eating problems). On the Orientation to Exercise Questionnaire, a measure of subclinical eating disorders, those with eating problems (EAT-26 score of [greater than or equal to] 20) had significantly higher scores (M = 87.65, p = .0002) than those without problems (M = 76.05). Furthermore, scores increased by 69% for each unit increase in BMI (p = .0481, slope = +.6902). The cheerleaders did not appear at higher risk for eating problems than adolescent girls in general but this age group is considered at "high risk " for eating disorders, so those who work with cheerleaders should be aware of warning signs.

Citation Details
Title: A preliminary survey of dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating problems among high school cheerleaders.
Author: Sharon H. Thompson
Publication:Journal of School Health (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 2004
Publisher: American School Health Association
Volume: 74 Issue: 3 Page: 85(6)

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