Abstract
Statement of Problem: The purpose of this study was to study the level of knowledge that California wrestling coaches and athletes have about disordered eating behaviors. With the rapid growth of female high school athletes participating in the sport of wrestling, there may be a need for concern regarding eating disorders. Research has found the prevalence of eating disorders is higher in teenagers, athletes, women, and even in athletes participating in certain sports (Arthur-Cameselle & Baltzal, 2012; Jankowski, 2012; Prnjak, Jukic & Tufano, 2019). Research also suggests a lack of knowledge of eating disorders in collegiate coaches and athletes (Rosa-Caldwell et al., 2018). This study attempts to assess the knowledge of eating disorders by both coaches and athletes at the high school level. Sources of Data: This explorative study collected primarily quantitative data. A 30 question Knowledge of Eating Disorders Questionnaire was given to all participants. Confidence in response correctness, demographic information and supplemental questions were collected and analyzed. The knowledge of eating disorder questions were divided into five domains: etiology, identifying signs and symptoms, management and treatment, risk factors, and education and prevention of eating disorders. High school wrestlers were also given the Self-Loathing Subscale Questionnaire, comprised of four questions, to determine which athletes may be at a higher risk of an eating disorder. Conclusions Reached: The study included a sample of 18 high school wrestling coaches and 16 high school wrestlers. A Pearson Correlation and t-test revealed that there is a significant difference in knowledge of eating disorders based on gender. The study found that 89%, (16/18) of high school coaches had never attended an educational program or training on disordered eating. Surprisingly, only 16.7% of coaches believe that they are responsible for teaching their athletes safe and healthy weight loss practice. The mean percent of correct answers on the Knowledge of Eating Disorders Questionnaire for coaches was 75.19%. Female wrestling coaches were found to have more knowledge of eating disorders with a mean score of 85.56% to 73.11%. High School wrestlers had a mean score of 57.08%, scoring the lowest in the management and treatment of eating disorders. There appears to be a slight difference in knowledge levels between genders in wrestlers. Female wrestlers knew slightly less about eating disorders in all domains except the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. However, females displayed a higher level of confidence across all domains, which may warrant a problem. The study found that 94% of wrestlers feel High School wrestling coaches need more support in educating themselves and their athletes about eating disorders. When asked if they had any personal experience dealing with disordered eating behaviors and/or eating disorders, 57% of female athletes and 33% of male athletes responded that they have. This study shows a need for further education in both high school wrestling coaches and athletes. It also suggests a need for more educational resources that are accessible to coaches and athletes. This study indicates that they may be a greater need for educating female wrestlers since they received the lowest overall scores.