Evaluation of the Relationship between Social Appearance Anxiety and Eating Behavior in Apprentice Jockeys

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between social appearance anxiety and eating behaviors in apprentice jockeys.
Subjects and Methods: 46 male apprentice jockeys affiliated with the Jockey Club of Turkey participated in this cross-sectional study. The study was conducted between July and August 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics of participants were collected through face-to-face interviews using a survey form, including the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and the Three-Factor Nutrition Questionnaire (TFEQ), and anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) were recorded.
Results: The study found a positive relationship between the emotional eating behavior of trainee jockeys and their expectation of negative evaluation (r=0.295 and p<0.05). A positive relationship was found between the expectation of negative evaluation (r=0.322, p<0.05) and the total social physique anxiety inventory scores of athletes with high body mass index (BMI) values (r=0.329, p<0.05). It was found that those dissatisfied with their body appearance had higher cognitive restriction behavior scores (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social appearance anxiety has been identified in trained apprentice jockeys, and it has been found that social appearance anxiety also affects emotional eating behavior While working with adolescent apprentice jockeys, the multidisciplinary health team should screen the athletes regarding eating attitudes and social appearance anxiety, in addition additional evaluations should be made, and create treatment strategies for those in the risk group for the healthy transition of the athletes from adolescence to adulthood.