ABSTRACT
It has been suggested repeatedly that training for professions that involve appearance-related criteria, thinness in particular, such as ballet dancing or modeling, may result in an increased risk for eating disorders (Garfinkel & Garner, 1982). Increased risk for eating disorders also has been found among athletes training in sports that involve an emphasis on appearance and on a thin body shape (see Chapter 15). Although reports of a higher incidence of eating disorders and related medical complications among dancers and in specific sports have raised concerns among professionals (Brooks-Gunn, Burrow, & Warren, 1998; Evers, 1987; Garner, Garfinkel, Rockert, & Olmsted, 1987; Nattive, Agostini, Drinkwater, & Yeager, 1994; Weeda-Mannak & Drop, 1985) and the public (Carreiro &• Verhaeghe, 1992; Terry, 1997) alike, there is very limited information about tertiary, secondary, and primary prevention work with these groups. Similarly, to date, only an overwhelming minority of training settings have recognized the importance of including mental-health professionals who specialize in the area of eating disorders and body image among their multidisciplinary staff. Within the field of dance, professionals in the area of body image rarely have been included in training schools or companies (Staines, personal communication, April 10, 1998). At times, dancers in training have approached the media to request the involvement of such personnel in their setting (Carreiro & Verhaeghe, 1992; Hench, cited in Terry, 1997). Within the field of athletics, the gymnastic association has taken initial steps to incorporate such expertise into settings of training (see Chapter 15).
