Eating disorders
The most important aspect of my research paper is the aspect of competition. On the surface, eating disorders seem to be a problem of insecurity, a lack of comfort in one's own skin. What I want people to understand is that eating disorders aren't an issue that springs from weakness- often they result from an intense desire for perfection. And in many cases, they can be found among the seemingly ideal of us: models, actors, dancers, and athletes.
"In companies, weight can affect casting so I know that professional dancers highly watch their weight when shows are being cast and it can become competitive...I know a girl whose contract wasn't renewed because of her weight. Some companies require you to lose weight before joining and often times at auditions, they require you put your weight on your application...Most girls who choose to do ballet are perfectionists to some extent, so weight is one more thing they can control and perfect." - Personal interview with Ballet West dancer, Erin Villareal
“Female collegiate athletes have high prevalence rates of being at risk for eating disorders, with approximately 14% to 19% having symptom levels that are subclinical but problematic.”
“The sports environment can heighten body- and weight- related concerns because of factors such as pressure from coaches, social comparisons with teammates.” - Justine J. Reel, et al. "Female Collegiate Athletes: Prevalence Of Eating Disorders And Disordered Eating Behaviors." Journal Of American College Health 57.5 (2009): 489-496. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Feb. 2012.
Comments
Erin, this was very
Erin, this was very informative! I liked how you included the both dancers and athletes in your post because they are so different yet similar in habits for perfection. I never knew that eating disorders affected female athletes. I would be very interested to see how you did your survey and what results you received.
Thanks Paige! When I first
Thanks Paige! When I first started this project, I figured that eating disorders might be more common among sports that encouraged a lean figure but once I really got into my research, I discovered some astounding statistics. In a comprehensive study of over 400 female athletes, 1/3 of the subjects had disordered eating pathologies, ranging from sub-clinical to full blown anorexia or bulimia. One of the most frightening facts I discovered was from the Academy of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
Hey so Erin, I had a random
Hey so Erin, I had a random question when I read your post. You mention that they grade eating disorders on a scale ranging from pathologies to full blown disorders. Yet you only mention this in relation to sports. Do they consider different eating habits as disorders if a girl (or guy) isn't an athlete or doesn't exercise as much?
Eating Disorder
This is really good research and I liked how you put in statistics for girls with symptoms but aren't classified as having an eating disorder. I also agree that it is competition that spurs eating disorders not so much wanting to be skinnier. Our society is becoming extremely more competitive and this is just one more way for girls to compete.
Yeah
Erin, this was very informative! I liked how you included the both dancers and athletes in your post because they are so different yet similar in habits for perfection. I never knew that eating disorders affected female athletes. I would be very interested to see how you did your survey and what results you received.
Great Point
Erin,
Eating disorders is a great topic for a research paper. It is a topic everyone knows about but no one really knows any of the details. I found it particularly interesting that athletes have a high amount of eating disorders. I think most people think of the stereotypical cheerleader girl to have an eating disorder, so i think it is great that you are bringing it to peoples attention that athletes are at risk too. I also think you made a really great point when you mentioned the reason for many eating disorders being competition, and I completely agree with you. Women especially feel the need to obtain the perfect body. And working out on a regular bases doesn't always do the trick in the period of time desired. I think that eating disorders is branching a lot off of competition. It was really interesting to read your post; I can't wait to see what you come up with in the future!
Alex
Thinspiration
Erin,
I really liked how you made a point to say that eating disorders aren't a weakness but an attempt at perfection. You might get some really good quotes about this if you look at some thinspo blogs online. Thinspo stands for thinspiration and is used when people are feeling weak and tempted to eat. If you want to see the full extent of the lifestyle, you might look at some of those blogs.
Erin your topic is very
Erin your topic is very interesting and informative! I had no idea eating disorders were driven by competition. I assumed it was because of insecurities so this is definitely an interesting view. I also like how you are pulling in female athletes, dancers, and models into the equation. I am into theatre and weight is a huge factor of being casted so I totally have witnessed first hand what your interview with Erin Villareal uncovered. It would be interesting to hear what non athletes like models and actors have to say about eating disorders in comparison to athletes and dancers.