earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to characterize eating behaviors among female collegiate Taekwondo athletes and non-athlete female college students in South Korea, and to estimate the prevalence of eating disorders among the same population. A total of 510 undergraduate women voluntarily participated; 42 were Taekwondo athletes and 468 were not athletes in any sports. Four self-report questionnaires were administered including demographic questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Results indicate that Taekwondo athletes group was statistically higher on ideal BMI, mean of EDEQ, perfectionism, and self-esteem. Approximately 12% to 33% of female collegiate Taekwondo athletes were classified as having a high risk for eating disorders. Prevalence rate of eating disorders measured by EDEQ-weight subscale was higher in the Taekwondo athletes than non-athletes group. There appear to be circumstances that participation in Taekwondo as a collegiate athlete is associated with increased risk for eating disorders. Participation in Taekwondo as a competitive collegiate athlete causes more problematic eating behaviors than non-athletes.