Author: Trisha ArmstrongPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 40
Book Description
Introduction: Recent literature has explored eating behaviors throughout the female collegiate cross country runner population, finding that often nutritional knowledge is not optimal, and both disordered eating and the female athlete triad exist. However, the relationship between nutritional knowledge and eating behaviors is unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of female collegiate cross country runners on eating behaviors and attitudes toward health. Methods: During the 2013 cross country season, 5 NAIA and 5 Division II female cross country runners, ages 18-22, participated in this qualitative research study. The relationship between eating behavior and attitudes toward health was examined through individual, semi-structured interviews. After transcription of the interviews, each student researcher independently developed themes and sub-themes and then met to negotiate findings. Results: The following four themes were identified: health behaviors, nutritional knowledge, influences, and health attitudes. This participants’ statements suggested that influences, nutritional knowledge, and attitude all affected the health behaviors of the cross country runner. Not only did they change health behaviors, but influences, nutritional knowledge, and attitude also intertwined with each other, affecting one another. Discussion: While nutritional knowledge does play a role in health behaviors of the female runner, it is not the sole contributor. Complex and interconnected relationships between eating behaviors and attitudes toward health were identified and were unique in each female collegiate cross country runner. Conclusion: The development of health behaviors of female collegiate cross country runners was exposed throughout this qualitative study. This in-depth understanding may assist in interpreting the behavioral causes of the female athlete triad and therefore the management as well as prevention of this disorder. Acknowledgements: Barbara Hoogenboom, Cynthia Grapczynski, participating women’s cross country teams, athletic directors and coaches.
