The Athletes’ Plate: Understanding Influences of Athletes’ Eating Attitudes, Exercise Behaviors, and Body Image Satisfaction

Delanie Patterson1, Brooklynn Raacke1, and Ryssa Schlaefli2 1Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University 2Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University Faculty Sponsors: Brooke Mann1, Ph.D. and Jessica Phelan2, Ph.D. 1Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University 2Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University Hays, Kansas Introduction: Disordered eating (DE), compulsive exercise (CE), and body image satisfaction (BIS) negatively affect male and female athletes. These variables each have a core symptomology but continue to evolve with the increased usage of social media, technology, and shifts in cultural attitudes regarding food, exercise, and body image. Purpose: The aim of this review is to examine DE, CE, and BIS and how the transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral theory relates to each of them, the positive influence of intuitive eating, and gaps within previous literature. This review evaluates the challenges and barriers future researchers could face in this topic of research and future directions for studies surrounding disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and body dissatisfaction among collegiate athletes. Findings: While previous research has evaluated DE, CE, and BIS, their prevalence among college athletes, and highlighted adverse long-term health effects, little to no research has evaluated preventative resources. Relevance to Kansas: This research on DE, CE, and BIS specifically addresses the gaps in awareness and intervention resources for collegiate athletes. Additionally, this research might serve as a catalyst to encourage various Kansas universities to implement or modify needs assessments regarding disordered eating and other mental health concerns. The ultimate goal is to improve mental and physical health by eliminating barriers to accessing resources for college students across Kansas.