any of the study measures (i.e., body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, perfectionism,

social physique anxiety). These results do not support research that found athletes to be

more at risk for disordered eating than nonathletes (Davis, 1992; Hausenblas & Carron,

1999; Smolak et al., 2000; Sundgot-Borgen, 1993). Additionally, the results of this study

do not support research that found athletes to be less at risk for developing disordered

eating (DiBartolo & Shaffer, 2002; Hausenblas & Symons Downs, 2001; Kirk et al.,

2001; Kurtzman et al., 1989; Petrie, 1996; Snyder & Kivlin, 1975; Wilkins et al., 1991;

Zucker et al., 2001).

 The results of this study do support a large body of literature, however, that has

found that athletes and nonathletes are no different for eating disorder risk (Ashley et al.,

1996; Fulkerson et al., 1999; Hausenblas & Carron, 1999; Krane et al., 2001; Taub &

Blinde, 1994; Warren et al., 1990). This study also supports the findings of Harris and

Greco (1990), and Smolak et al. (2000) who found that gymnasts were no different than

adolescent girls and nonathletes for eating disorder symptoms. Most of the research that

found gymnasts to be a high-risk group for eating disorders was done before 1995, when

USA Gymnastics began its proactive approach to dealing with eating disorders

(O'Connor et al., 1995; Petrie, 1993; Rosen & Hough, 1988; USA Gymnastics, 1995).

USA Gymnastics' effort in promoting eating disorder prevention over the past several

years may be effective and resulting in healthier athletes. In contrast to previous research,

participation in the aesthetic sport of gymnastics at the Division I level may not be a risk

factor for disordered eating.

Time Differences for Gymnasts

 I compared the differences in disordered eating symptoms of the gymnasts from

preseason to competitive season. Based on Dale and Landers (1999) study of wrestlers, I