Traits and Factors Influencing eating disorders in Female Collegiate Student-Athletes versus Female Collegiate Non-Student Athletes

Abstract Background: Eating disorders are of higher prevalence in female collegiate athletes. The factors that influence female collegiate athletes to be more disposed to eating disorders and disorderly eating are being analyzed and examined. Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review aims to examine the factors that predispose female collegiate athletes to have a higher prevalence rate of eating disorders than female non-collegiate athletes. Methods: This integrative literature review focused on articles that were published between the years of 2009-2019 and one article from 1999. The articles were retrieved from PsycINFO, HealthSource: Nursing, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, PsychArticles, and PubMed. The Judith Garrad Matrix method was used in data analysis for this study. Findings: The findings of these six articles showed the need to screen athletes before, during, and after their careers. There are many factors and traits that could not be directly pin-pointed due to lack of information and studies. Female collegiate student-athletes are at a higher risk to developing eating disorders, but the factors that influence these risks vary between age, sport, and participation. Conclusion: The integrative literature review has highlighted the need for future studies in the well-being of female collegiate athletes as a vulnerable population to eating disorders. The ongoing intrinsic and extrinsic factors that continue to influence female collegiate athletes have the possibility to negatively impact their lives and careers. The studies showed similar traits and characteristics that could influence female collegiate athletes to be more predisposed to eating disorders but did not expound upon a treatment or screening that could be used in the future to prevent this vulnerable population. The NCAA is an organization that could easily send out screenings before, during, and after female collegiate athletes’ careers, but future studies need to be done to increase health care workers’ knowledge to identify these athletes that may be at risk. Keywords: eating disorders, collegiate athletes, female, factor