ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

The purpose of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the eating disorder experiences of retired female figure skaters. To achieve this, six retired female figure skaters who had experienced eating disorders during their athletic careers were selected as research participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological research method. Through data analysis, 35 themes, 11 theme clusters, and 4 categories were identified. The specific research findings are as follows: First, research participants D, E, and F successfully overcame their eating disorders after retirement. They experienced positive psychological and behavioral changes and made continuous efforts to improve their eating habits. Over time, they achieved psychological stability, and their symptoms gradually subsided. Second, participants A, B, and C continued to struggle with eating disorders due to external pressure from others regarding weight control, an internalized ideal body image, persistent eating disorder symptoms, and a lack of professional treatment. Third, all research participants experienced lingering aftereffects of eating disorders, including psychological distress (e.g., social avoidance, self-hatred, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem) as well as physical complications (e.g., gastritis, menstrual disorders, indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux disease). This study provides a comprehensive discussion of the symptoms, contributing factors, and long-term consequences of eating disorders in retired figure skaters.

키워드