Psychosocial correlates of disordered eating among adolescent athletes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Attempts to optimize nutritional intake and eating behaviors in young athletes can increase the risk of developing disordered eating (DE) during an athlete’s career. A multitude of factors influencing DE have been identified in the existing literature, encompassing general and sport-specific factors, and have been integrated into a conceptual model based on Petrie and Greenleaf’s work and additional research evidence in adults, but has not been proven in young athletes. Method A total of 691 adolescent athletes (m/f: 276/415) aged 14–20 years, completed a set of online questionnaires assessing DE and different influential factors. Two separate structural equation models (SEMs) were tested: one for female athletes and one for male athletes. Results The initial models showed poor fit; however, respecified models revealed key associations for each gender. Sociocultural pressures and their internalization primarily influenced body dissatisfaction in both genders, which contributed to DE. Additionally, emotion regulation difficulties and low self-esteem were linked to DE in female athletes, whereas sport weight pressures and negative mood were associated with DE in male athletes. Conclusion Sociocultural pressures and body dissatisfaction critically affect DE in both female and male athletes, but etiological models for DE differ slightly between genders. If confirmed, prevention programs should be tailored accordingly.