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Weight Pressures in Sport—Females (WPS-F) questionnaire measures sport-related pressures that female athletes experience regarding body weight, shape, size, and appearance. In order to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the inventory, two different studies were conducted. In the first study, using a sample (n = 225) of female Greek athletes aged 12–20 years, exploratory factor analysis produced two factors (Factor 1: Pressures From Coaches and Sports About Weight and Factor 2: Pressures Regarding Appearance and Performance) and supported the original factor structure. In the second study, using a different sample (n = 318) of female Greek athletes aged 11–18 years, confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the two-factor structure. Weight Pressures in Sport—Females questionnaire was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable instrument for Greek female athletic populations. Future studies should further test the factorial structure in younger and older athletes and in larger samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a weight-related teasing prevention program implemented for both female and male students in a school setting. Methods: Junior High School students (N = 143) in seventh grade were invited to participate in the program. One hundred eighteen participants completed pre- and posttest surveys to assess bullying frequency and to evaluate an efficacy of the 8-week prevention program. Results: Data at posttest revealed the number of students who reported being bullied decreased by 7% (n = 8). The incidence rate of self-reported bullies was reduced from 18% to 14%. The levels of body esteem and self-esteem were statistically higher among the participants at posttest. Male participants showed a significant improvement on the Ideal-Body Stereotype Scale-Revised compared to female participants. On the other hand, the difference in mean scores on victimization of weight-related and competency teasing between pretest and posttest was statistically higher among female participants. Conclusion: The intervention program helped the participants increase body esteem and self-esteem levels. Although female participants tended to report more victimizations from previous teasing (weight and competency) incidents at posttest period, levels of stereotyped images towards women among male participants were statistically reduced after the intervention program. Recommendations: Body image or weight-related issues are rarely discussed enough for male students in a school setting. One reason is lack of resources for health teachers to address the particular issues for both female and male students. Simply, many teachers may feel uncomfortable or less confident to discuss the particular issues. Therefore, more research and resources for teachers are necessary to reduce weight-related teasing and other issues in a school setting.

Unhealthy cognitive–emotional relationships with exercise can hinder positive treatment outcomes when left unaddressed. However, clinicians lack validated tools to monitor this aspect of treatment. This study examined the 14-item Intuitive Exercise Scale with 165 patients in the United States (Mage = 26.48 years) who were receiving treatment for an eating disorder. The original factor structure was inadequate for the current sample, and exploratory factor analysis generated three factors—emotional exercise, body intuition, and exercise variety. The three-factor solution yielded strong internal consistency and partial support for the scale's validity. Furthermore, patients scored lowest in body intuition, confirming low awareness of bodily cues common in patients with eating disorders. This study informs how clinicians may integrate and monitor patients' cognitive–emotional relationship with exercise as part of holistic and intuitive eating disorder treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paucity of research persists surrounding disordered eating among sub-populations of athletes with diverse identities. In this commentary, we argue that in the absence of extensive research to understand the nuances embedded in sub-populations of athletes, using a culturally humble approach is preferable and recommended in identifying and preventing disordered eating in athletes. Cultural humility is a powerful guiding framework for sport psychology professionals to navigate the underrepresented, "unheard voices" of disordered eating in sport. Specifically, engaging in the 5 Rs of cultural humility (Reflection, Respect, Regard, Relevance, and Resiliency) may help sport psychology professionals: a) become aware of and help reduce stereotypes that label certain athletes as disordered, and b) listen deeply to the individual experiences of the athlete while remaining aware of the inherent sport professional-athlete power imbalance. We offer recommendations based on current eating disorder research, gaps in this body of literature, and highlight recent publications on cultural humility for professionals to consider when addressing and preventing disordered eating concerns. Lay summary: Sport psychology professionals may benefit from a culturally humble approach to disordered eating in athletes. We acknowledge that more research needs to be conducted on disordered eating in athletes with intersecting identities. We propose that a cultural humility framework can inform a richer understanding of diverse presentations of disordered eating. Enhance early identification of disordered eating and reduce instances of missed identification by engaging in a culturally humble approach to working with athletes Promote a sport culture that listens to the needs of individual athletes rather than focusing on body, weight, or appearance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study purpose was to validate the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language version of the weight pressures in sport scale for male athletes. The weight pressures in sport scale for male athletes assesses risk factors associated with sport-specific weight pressures from coaches, peers, and team uniform. The scale was back translated and administered to 407 Spanish male college athletes. The sample was randomly split to perform the exploratory and confirmatory analysis. After item analysis, three items were removed. The exploratory analysis identified two latent constructs (referring to coaches and teammates pressures, and pressures due to uniform), and the confirmatory analysis produced a two-factor model (comparative fit indexSB =.946, Tucker–Lewis indexSB =.925, root mean square of approximationSB =.071, standardized root mean square residualSB =.068). The overall scale showed adequate internal consistency (α =.82) and demonstrated adequate convergent validity with the other questionnaires. The Spanish-language version of the weight pressures in sport scale for male athletes can be used to measure weight-related pressures among male athletes in sport psychology and clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of studies examining eating disorders and body image in sport has increased, although several major challenges associated with conducting this research must be addressed to continue growth. In this paper, we describe these challenges based on our professional experiences and the academic literature. Mistrust of researchers and the area of study, communication gaps, and factors that affect data quality are among the strong barriers discussed. However, we suggest that these challenges may be addressed by building stronger partnerships between researchers and practitioners and offer critical steps for developing meaningful professional relationships that will help move the field forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to examine male competitive figure skaters' experiences of weight pressure in sport. Specifically, male skaters' perceptions of the ideal skating body, sources of weight pressure in elite figure skating, and the perceived role of their sport in shaping body image, athletic performance, eating, and exercise behaviors were explored. Through a social constructivist lens, an inductive thematic analysis was used to examine the contextual influences of the skating environment. Thirteen male figure skaters ages 16–24 (M = 18.53, SD = 3.33) with an average 10.38 years of skating experience (SD = 4.05) were interviewed. Skaters identified the parameters for the ideal body in skating along with specific weight pressures, body image concerns, and weight management strategies. Similar to female skaters, male skaters perceived that body image affected psychological factors that influence sport performance. Sport psychologists and consultants should be attentive to the skating environment and how specific performance and appearance demands may influence an athlete's mindset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this commentary, we try to present a balanced look at the issues surrounding the implementation of the certification exam for recertification purposes. We recognize that the changes to certification are complex and varied, as were reactions by the membership of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). As long-standing AASP members who are also certified consultants, we look at the costs, benefits, and ultimately the reality of the CMPC exam for recertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dancers, like athletes, frequently endure injuries and disordered eating as a result of performance-specific demands. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between severe injuries and disordered eating from the perspectives of female professional dancers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 female professional dancers ages 18–38 (M = 23; SD = 6.2) whose dance participation was suspended for 4–36 weeks (M = 12.69; SD = 10.09) due to a dance-related injury. We adopted a social constructivist stance to view the experiences of dancers through the lens of a phenomenon highly influenced by environmental and cultural factors. A thematic analysis yielded five themes including negative emotions associated with injury, anxiety and uncertainty around future involvement, modifications in nutritional intake (e.g., reduction of calories), coping with injury, and the need for an effective and holistic injury rehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to explore the body image of athletes with physical disabilities, and (b) to understand how spoil influences body image among these athletes. We interviewed 20 male and female athletes (Mage = 34.25, SD = 8.49) from a variety of sports regarding their body image and the role of sport in influencing body image. A thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was used to generate six themes: (a) personal significance of injury and disability, (b) noncentrality of the body and disability, (c) positive influence of sport on body esteem, (d) social factors influencing body-related emotions and perceptions, (e) body critiques and preferences, and (f) positive thoughts and emotions about the body. Sport seemed to be an important vehicle for experiencing body-related pride, and athletes expressed an intimate connection with the body parts that enabled them to physically compete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors examined female competitive figure skaters' experiences of weight pressure in sport. Perceptions of the ideal skating body; sources of weight pressure; ways that body image, weight-management behaviors, and athletic performance have been affected; and recommendations for improving body image were explored. Aligning with a social constructivist view (Creswell, 2014), data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Skaters described the ideal skating body in an inflexible fashion with little room for deviation and acceptance of body diversity. Skaters cited their first weight-pressure experience between 7 and 1 4 years of age, which most notably involved coaches, parents, skating partners, and other aspects of the skating culture. These experiences were characterized as promoting body-image concerns, unhealthy weight-management strategies, and interference with the psychological aspects of on-ice performance. Results from this study demonstrate the need to construct and maintain body-positive skating environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When athletes "uncritically accept" the coaching expectations associated with their sport, negative health consequences (e.g., disordered eating behaviors, clinical eating disorders) may result. The coach's influence on disordered eating behaviors may be a product of factors related to overconformity to the sport ethic, issues with coach communication regarding recommendations for weight management, and the strength of the coach-athlete relationship. The present study investigated perceived weight-related coach pressure, the coach-athlete relationship, and disordered eating behaviors by surveying 248 female varsity athletes and dancers from four universities. Mediational analysis revealed that the coach-athlete relationship was a partial mediating variable between perceived coach pressures and disordered eating behaviors. Subsequently, strong relationships between coaches and their athletes may reduce the negative impact of perceived weight-related coach pressure on the development or exacerbation of disordered eating behaviors in female collegiate athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a cross-sectional, mixed-method design, this study examined the frequency and psychosocial correlates of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among male figure skaters (n = 29; Mage = 18.45 years) and explored their perspectives on skating-related weight pressures. One participant (3.7%) scored within range of a clinical ED. Body mass index, sport-related weight pressures, and sport-related body dissatisfaction explained 30% of variance in ED symptomatology; only weight pressures were significant. Although most endorsed the positive influences of skating, a perceived body–performance link was their most frequent weight pressure. Coping with sport-related weight pressures should be addressed in applied sport psychology and ED prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abuse of substances is a significant public health issue. Perceived stress and depression have been found to be related to the abuse of substances. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of substance use (i.e., alcohol problems, smoking, and drug use) and the association between substance use, perceived stress, and depression among free clinic patients. Patients completed a self-administered survey in 2015 (N = 504). The overall prevalence of substance use among free clinic patients was not high compared to the U.S. general population. U.S.-born English speakers reported a higher prevalence rate of tobacco smoking and drug use than did non-U.S.-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. Alcohol problems and smoking were significantly related to higher levels of perceived stress and depression. Substance use prevention and education should be included in general health education programs. U.S.-born English speakers would need additional attention. Mental health intervention would be essential to prevention and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on intuitive approach on dysfunctional eating and exercise behaviors leading to obesity, eating disorders and dysfunctional exercise patterns. Topics discussed include the intricate link between body image, food and exercise, intuitive eating based on psychological cues of hunger and fullness rather than intense and triggering emotions, and intuitive exercise that refers to listening to the body for cues when to start and stop exercise.