Beyond the Stage: Investigating Body Appreciation, Eating Attitudes, and Expectancies for Thinness in Opera and Ballet Artists

This study examines the relationships between eating attitudes, body appreciation, and interpersonal outcome expectations of thinness among opera and ballet artists. Given the aesthetic and physical demands of these performing arts, the research aims to contribute to healthier self-perceptions and the well-being of performers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 opera and 32 ballet artists affiliated with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Directorate. Data were collected using the Eating Attitudes Test Short Form (EAT-26), the Interpersonal Outcome Expectancies for Thinness Scale (IOET), and the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). Statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Ballet dancers exhibited higher body image investment (p=0.046) and BAS scores (p=0.006) than opera artists, indicating a stronger emphasis on physical aesthetics. 18% of the participants demonstrated unhealthy eating attitudes, with a notable association between income level and EAT scores (p=0.001). Analysis of BAS scores indicated a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI), implying that individuals with higher BMI values reported lower body satisfaction (r=-0.346; p