Eating disorder symptoms and weight pressure in female rowers: associations between self-concept, psychological well-being and body composition

• Published in: Journal of eating disorders 2024-06, Vol.12 (1), p.81-11, Article 81
• Main Authors: Larrinaga, Beñat, Borrajo, Erika, Muñoz-Perez, Iker, Urquijo, Itziar, Garcia-Rodríguez, Ana, Arbillaga-Etxarri, Ane
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Eating disorders; Education, Higher; Female; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Physiological aspects; Prevalence; Psychological aspects; Psychological well-being; Rowers; Rowing eating disorder symptoms; Self-concept; Weight pressures in sport
• ISSN: 2050-2974; 2050-2974
• DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01033-9

Female rowers may be at risk of eating disorders and high weight pressure. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of disordered eating symptoms and weight-related pressure and the associations with self-concept, psychological well-being, socio-demographic data, experience, performance level and body composition in female fixed-bench rowers. Female rowers (n = 208; age ranged mean ± SD 23.6 ± 6.5 years) completed the SCOFF scale, Weight-Pressures in Sport-Females (WPS-F), Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Ryff scales of psychological well-being and provided information on their experience and level of competition. In a subgroup of 115 athletes, body composition was assessed using bioimpedance. It was found that 42.3% of the athletes scored ≥ 2 on SCOFF and mean ± SD value of WPS-F score was 3.65 ± 0.82. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that self-concept of strength and pressure from teammates and the uniform were associated with higher ED symptoms, whereas better psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, self-concept of attractiveness, and age were protective factors for ED symptoms. BMI, athletes' physical condition, strength, and experience were associated with more weight-related pressure and better self-concept of attractiveness and physical well-being of autonomy were significantly associated with less pressure. In body composition analysis, higher extra cellular water, self-acceptance, and physical condition were associated with more weight-related pressure in female rowers, being attractiveness and the environmental mastery protective elements. The prevalence of ED symptomatology and weight-related pressure are high in female fixed bench rowing. The psychological factors of well-being and self-concept, team environment, body image concerns and body composition analysis should be considered to promote healthy eating behaviours in female rowers.