Abstract
Sport participation can contribute to physical, mental, emotional, and social health; however, athletes are at great risk of experiencing disordered eating and developing eating disorders (EDs), with up to 45% of women athletes and 33% of men athletes being affected. To support athletes in experiencing the benefits of sport participation, the purpose of this study was to establish a conceptual framework of who should support athletes during recovery and reintegration into sports, and how. Data were collected in two rounds. In round one, competitive athletes (n=17) from various sports (e.g., boxing, distance running, gymnastics, rowing) completed a semi-structured interview where they first constructed a visual representation of their support network, then elaborated on each network member’s role. In round two, individuals who supported athletes during recovery and the reintegration into sports (e.g., coaches, family members, psychologists, dieticians) (n=12) were recruited for a semi-structed interview. Data were iteratively analyzed using a constructionist grounded theory methodology. Our framework depicts five layers to athletes’ experiences: (1) development of ED behaviours, (2) turning point, (3) early recovery, (4) toward full(er) recovery, and (5) future self. Within each layer, specific people and actions that are needed to support athletes are delineated. Central to our framework is that with support from important others, athletes became increasingly empowered to (re)define their relationship with their body, food, sport, and self. This study provides a novel conceptual framework to support athletes in a healthy return-to-sport and serves as a preliminary step toward developing ED-related policies and protocols.
