Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

General Human Environmental Sciences

Advisor/Mentor

Mallori Roberts

Committee Member

Dr. Ryan Fiddler

Second Committee Member

Karla Horsfall

Abstract

Disordered eating behaviors and body image concerns remain prevalent among collegiate athletes, yet the role of sport type and sport-related environmental factors, such as uniforms, is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sport type, uniform perception, and disordered eating behaviors among female collegiate athletes at the University of Arkansas. A quantitative, non-experimental design was used, with 36 athletes completing an anonymous Qualtrics survey incorporating demographic questions, uniform perception items, and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS).

Descriptive analyses indicated a predominantly young (ages 18–21), White, and underclassman sample. Chi-square analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between sport type and uniform comfort, perceived impact of uniform on body image, or disordered eating behaviors. However, significant associations were found between uniform perception and specific disordered eating cognitions. Athletes who reported that their uniforms had a greater impact on their body image were significantly more likely to experience difficulty concentrating due to weight or shape concerns (χ²(12, N = 32) = 22.4, p = 0.03) and fear of weight gain (χ²(12, N = 32) = 23.0, p = 0.0275).

These findings suggest that while sport type alone may not be a significant predictor of disordered eating behaviors, uniform-related body image perceptions may serve as an important environmental risk factor. The results highlight the need for increased awareness among athletic staff and healthcare professionals regarding the potential psychological impact of uniforms. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples across multiple institutions to further explore these relationships and inform targeted interventions aimed at promoting athlete well-being.

Keywords

Eating disorders; female athletes; collegiate sports; disordered eating behaviors; body image

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