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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until April 25, 2026

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Exploring Eating Attitudes and Behaviors of a Collegiate Dance Team Using a Mixed Methods Approach

Zalewski, Samantha
http://orcid.org/0009-0006-4394-5014
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1712917364014791

Abstract Details

2024, MS, University of Cincinnati, Allied Health Sciences: Nutrition.
Objective: To investigate eating habits and behaviors in dancers on a University Dance Team (UDT) to provide targeted resources in the future to prevent low energy availability and subsequent risk for RED-S and disordered eating patterns. Methods: The design is a mixed methods study utilizing the combination of qualitative data from focus groups and quantitative data from Likert scale survey responses. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from the team roster of dancers on a UDT. Qualitative data were gathered from surveys that consisted of twelve 5-point Likert scale questions. Qualitative data were gathered from focus groups. Focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview style and were used to gather more insight into dancers’ eating habits and behaviors. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed with NVIVO using grounded theory. Results: Of the 7 participants, all met inclusion criteria and 6 participants completed the survey. The survey item with the highest mean score was “Being a dancer influences when I eat in a day” with a score of 4.67 meaning, on average, participants agreed with this statement. Six major themes were identified from the focus groups included “barriers to nutrition”, “dancer identity”, “health/wellness and nutrition”, “nutrition for performance”, “nutrition knowledge”, and “success in fueling”. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine eating habits and behaviors of a collegiate dance team using a mixed methods approach. We found that the theme “barriers to nutrition” had a disproportionately greater amount of responses/concern from the participants, which warrants more extensive research on this population to further explore the potential need for changing systems to decrease risk of disordered eating and increase preventative measures when it comes to weight sensitive sports and eating behaviors.
Sarah Couch, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Abigail Peairs, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
53 p.
Nutrition
dance; nutrition; athlete; college; RED-S; disordered eating

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zalewski, S. (2024). Exploring Eating Attitudes and Behaviors of a Collegiate Dance Team Using a Mixed Methods Approach [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1712917364014791

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zalewski, Samantha. Exploring Eating Attitudes and Behaviors of a Collegiate Dance Team Using a Mixed Methods Approach. 2024. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1712917364014791.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zalewski, Samantha. "Exploring Eating Attitudes and Behaviors of a Collegiate Dance Team Using a Mixed Methods Approach." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1712917364014791

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1712917364014791
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.