Utility of mood profiles in identifying risk of eating disorders among adolescent rowers

Abstract

[Abstract]: The study assessed the utility of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) in discriminating between adolescent rowers who were at risk of developing eating disorders and those who were not. Adolescent rowers (N = 111) participating in scholastic rowing competitions completed the BRUMS, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Risk was indicated by scores above 20 on the EAT or BSQ. Participants were grouped by gender (female = 48, male = 63) and risk status (at risk = 18, not at risk = 93). A 2 x 2 MANOVA of mood responses showed no interaction effect but significant main effects for gender and risk status. Scores for depression, confusion, tension and anger were significantly higher among those at risk. Discriminant function analysis showed that in 75.6% of cases, the risk status of participants was correctly classified from these four mood dimensions. Mood responses could better identify lack of risk than risk. Risk was associated with body shape perceptions rather than eating attitudes. Results were consistent with previous findings among elite rowers, suggesting that mood profiles may provide non-transparent indicators of risk of eating disorders at both junior and senior levels of the sport.