Faculty Publications

Whatever It Takes: Health Compromising Behaviors In Female Athletes

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Quest

Volume

57

Issue

3

First Page

315

Last Page

329

Abstract

The power and performance model of sport stresses a sport ethic of doing “whatever it takes” to win (Coakley, 2004). Uncritical acceptance of this model may lead to various health-compromising behaviors. Employing achievement goal theory, we examine why female athletes may adopt the power and performance approach. An ego motivational climate and a strong social approval goal orientation may encourage girls and women to engage in unhealthy and risky behaviors in pursuit of success. Athletes in an ego-involving climate may be at risk of using their bodies as a machine, unhealthy eating, and steroid use. Athletes with a strong social approval orientation may engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as binge drinking and hazing, in their quest for acceptance by teammates, coaches, and parents. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

8-1-2005

DOI of published version

10.1080/00336297.2005.10491860

Link to Full Text

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