Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training

First Advisor

Mitchell L. Cordova

Second Advisor

Catherine L. Stemmans

Third Advisor

Timothy Demchak

Abstract

Context: It was unclear in the current research how Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) perceived their professional preparation about eating disorders and disordered eating. Objective: To establish how ATCs perceived their professional preparation and educational background in managing eating disorders. Design and Setting: A 42 item web based survey was specifically created for this study and disseminated to certified members of the NATA. Subjects: The survey was disseminated to 14,477 certified NATA members. The response rate was 13.6% (n=l 966) with a mean age 31.87±7.82. Measurements: This survey consisted of an 11 question demographics section, 13 Likert ( 1-7) scale questions, 4 "check all that apply" questions, 11 yes/no questions, 2 "fill in the best answer" and 1 "check one that applies" question. Statistical analysis focused on qualitative and descriptive analysis of survey items. Results: Our results suggest ATCs believed that they do not receive enough professional preparation or education in dealing with eating disordered athletes. Despite this finding, they also believed it was their responsibility to identify and deal with these eating disordered athletes. There seemed to be a discrepancy between the amount that A TCs wanted to help the athletes and how much education and knowledge they had in managing eating disordered athletes. Conclusions: The overall findings suggest a definite need and desire for continuing education about eating disorders. A TCs would be receptive to more readily available continuing education resources and professional preparation in the area of eating disorders.

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