Eating disorders were predominantly perceived to be a white, Western higher socioeconomic phenomenon. However, as Western cultural values have been embraced, eating disorders appear to have become prevalent across racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups. In the last decade there has been an increased interest in assessing eating disorders from a cross-cultural perspective. Many studies have been conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Relatively few empirical studies have been conducted in South Africa. The Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) is an instrument that has been used in eating disorder research and is known to be reliable and valid. Although the EDI has been used in South Africa, its cross-cultural validity has not yet been determined. The purpose of this research is a pilot cross-cultural validation of the EDI to determine if this design would be appropriate for a large-scale validation project. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg,2004.

Eating disorders are prevalent among female athletes, particularly those involved in lean sports, which put greater emphasis on a slim physique. Because of the negative --- physical and emotional consequences associated with disordered eating, it is essential that such behavior be detected and treated early. However, it may be difficult to identify symptoms of disordered eating among female athletes, perhaps due to perfectionism. Individuals scoring high in perfectionism may be more self-critical of mistakes and thus more likely to conceal such behavior. The present study combined the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) with the Athletic Mileu Direct Questionnaire (AMDQ), in an effort to determine whether the combined use of a perfectionism and disordered eating inventory would better identify those at risk for disordered eating. Both questionnaires were compared to the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and results indicated that both AMDQ and FMPS scores correlated positively with EDE global scores. Type of sport did not result in a significant correlation with disordered eating scores, although potential explanations are discussed.

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Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / It is well documented that a variety of sports coaches lack nutrition knowledge. However, few studies explore their knowledge of appropriate weight loss methods, macronutrient intake, or disordered eating. Unfortunately, both college and high school coaches disseminate inaccurate nutrition and weight loss counsel to their respective athletes who are just as unknowledgeable. Further, there is little research, which only focuses on coaches of a specific sport (e.g. tennis). Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to assess high school tennis coaches' knowledge of macronutrients and disordered eating (e.g. symptoms and prevention). Other purposes included identifying confidence in knowledge and any differences between the participating coaches' knowledge and demographic variables. To address these purposes, the 27-question Nutrition and Eating Disorders in Tennis ("NET") Survey was created (and validated). The study design involved a one-time, voluntary assessment of the Indiana coaches' demographic variables, knowledge, sources of knowledge, and level of confidence (e.g. Not At All or Very Confident). Overall, the results revealed that the coaches lacked knowledge. The average score was 70.6%, which was below the criterion for adequate knowledge. Furthermore, the coaches lacked adequate knowledge in three of the five knowledge domains: Treatment and Prevention of Disordered Eating (63.6% ± 22.9%), Disordered Eating Signs and Symptoms (60.0% ± 21.7%), and Macronutrients (57.0% ± 22.4%). The latter was further substantiated through the responses to scenario questions (Part 3). Specifically, the tennis coaches demonstrated a significant knowledge deficiency of carbohydrates, energy needs, and appropriate scope of practice. There was no significant difference between coaches' education level, gender, or type and knowledge. However, there was in experience; the more years coached, the lower the scores. Moreover, there was a trend of overconfidence in the most missed questions. This dissertation's data can provide basis for coaches' educational programs.