Abstract
Athletes are a subpopulation at greatest risk of developing eating disorders (EDs), with up to 45% and 33% of women and men athletes experiencing ED symptoms, respectively. How athletes navigate ED recovery and a positive reintegration into sport remains poorly understood. Gaining insight into the key supporters within athletes’ networks and the roles they play can help identify how to better support athletes in recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the people within athletes’ network during the reintegration into sport following EDs, and how specific people impact athletes’ sporting and recovery experiences. Participants included competitive athletes (e.g., national, international) from a variety of sports (e.g., basketball, boxing, distance running, tennis, rowing). Data were collected during a single interview with each athlete in which they constructed a visual representation of their support network, then elaborated on each network member’s role in a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Athletes described the importance of having supporters from both inside and outside of sport contexts. Key agents included coaches, family members, dieticians, and psychologists. Specific actions that supported ED recovery and the reintegration into sport included knowing when and how to intervene, maintaining communication between sport-related personnel, establishing trust, and promoting a whole-person identity within the athlete. This study provides actionable insights into the key people and actions that need to be reinforced in sport environments to address EDs and promote weight- and body-inclusive sport environments. Findings hold important implications for the development of ED-related policy.
