Teammate influences on athletes’ eating and exercise psychopathology
Creators: name: Scott, Charlotte
Publisher: name: Loughborough University
Year: 2020
Subjects: Other health sciences not elsewhere classified

description: BACKGROUND. The prevalence of eating and exercise psychopathology in athletes is higher when compared to the general population. A number of individual (e.g., psychological wellbeing, age, BMI, gender) and sport-specific (e.g., sport type) factors have been demonstrated to impact on athletes’ risk of eating and exercise psychopathology. In particular, an athlete’s teammates represent a unique source of social influence which requires investigation. AIM. The overarching aim of this thesis was to improve our understanding of the mechanisms through which teammates influence athletes’ eating and exercise psychopathology, and the circumstances under which these influences are facilitated. METHODS. A systematic review was first conducted to synthesise findings from existing studies and identify key literature gaps. Five empirical studies were then conducted, building on the limitations and gaps identified in the review. A triangulation of quantitative methodologies (i.e., cross-sectional, longitudinal, mediation, social network, experimental) was deemed appropriate to accurately determine the impact of teammates on athletes’ eating and exercise psychopathology. MAIN FINDINGS. Modelling of teammates’ disordered weight control behaviours and perceiving a pressure from teammates to lose weight/change shape were identified as key cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of athletes’ increased symptoms of eating and exercise psychopathology. However, having supportive teammate friendships was identified as a key predictor of reduced eating psychopathology and increased engagement with healthy exercise behaviours (i.e., to improve mood). Although levels of eating and exercise psychopathology were generally found to remain stable over time, certain athletes appear to be at an increased risk and demonstrate more changeable behaviours. Sport related factors (e.g., sport type) were not found to have a consistent impact on eating and exercise psychopathology, however, gender differences were apparent. Female athletes perceived a greater level of teammate influence and a greater variance in their eating/exercise psychopathology was explained by both positive and negative teammate influences. Furthermore, indices of psychological wellbeing (i.e., self-esteem, anxiety and depression) were identified as significant mediators of relationships between teammate influences and eating/exercise psychopathology, and an athletes’ positioning in their team social network (i.e., on the periphery of the team vs well connected to teammates) was found to impact on the severity of their eating/exercise psychopathology. Finally, a strong matching effect was identified whereby female athletes imitated each other’s intake for unhealthy snack food. IMPLICATIONS. Taken together, the findings indicate that teammates can significantly influence athletes’ eating and exercise psychopathology. There is need for coaches to be educated as to the negative and positive impact teammates can have, the factors that increase athletes’ susceptibility to negative teammate influences, and the importance of striving for cohesive teams with supportive teammate friendships. Moreover, athletes need to be made aware that their teammates are likely to model their eating and exercise behaviours, and should therefore be encouraged to engage with healthy eating practices, taking steps to reduce pre-occupation with weight/shape.<br>