Abstract
One subset of the college population that is at-risk of developing an eating disorder or signs of disordered eating are college athletes. College athletes face both internal and external pressures to remain fit. Of particular importance for this study is the role of the athletic trainer (ATs) in helping college athletes with a diagnosed eating disorder or patterns of disordered eating. This study followed a logical, systematic, and multiphase phenomenological approach to capturing reflections of athletic trainers’ (n = 7) subjective experiences related to managing student athletes who have a diagnosed eating disorder. Using an open-ended interview guide, athletic trainers participated in an intensive interview with one of the researchers. Researchers categorized statements into one of three themes: (1) AT and college athlete relationship, (2) barriers to care, and (3) opportunities for improvement. These results provide insight concerning the intersection of ATs and their role in addressing eating disorders with college athletes. ATs play an important role in providing both support to aid physical recovery from ailments and injuries and serve as a source of psychosocial referral and support.
Presenters
Kristin TrainorAssistant Professor, Health Sciences, Butler University, Indiana, United States Matt Moore
Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States Jerry Reynolds
Assistant Professor, Social Work, Ball State University, Indiana, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Eating Disorders, Sport Social Work, Athletic Training, Qualitative Research
