A Retrospective Mixed-Methods Study of Athletes’ Perceptions of Body Pressures, Body Image Concerns, Eating Pathology, Dysfunctional Exercise, and Social Support During Injury Recovery

This retrospective mixed-methods study explored relationships between body pressures, body image concerns, eating pathology, dysfunctional exercise, and social support during injury recovery. Participants were 158 current and former athletes who had, in the last 5 years, sustained injures affecting their attitudes or behaviors related to their body, food, and/or exercise. Retrospective accounts revealed that these concerns were more frequent and intense during injury recovery than preinjury. Lean sport athletes reported the greatest body pressure while injured. Body image concerns mediated the relationship between body pressures and both eating pathology and dysfunctional exercise during injury recovery. Perceived support in these areas moderated these mediated relationships, with greater relevant support, unexpectedly, amplifying the impact of body pressures on body image concerns. These findings inform research and practice considerations related to the complex intersections of athletes’ relationships with their bodies, food, and movement as they relate to psychological recovery from injury.