Author(s): DONTI, O., BOGDANIS, G.C., PANIDI, I., KANNA, D.A., GASPARI, V., DONTI, A., Institution: NATIONAL AND KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS, Country: GREECE, Abstract-ID: 920

Introduction
Professional dance emphasizes leanness and aesthetic appearance, increasing the risk of disordered eating. Weight-related pressures within the dance environment - including teachers, peers, and audience - may further increase this risk. However, evidence is sparse. This study examined weight pressures and symptoms of eating disorders in professional modern dancers.
Methods
Eighty-six professional female modern dancers (age: 20.5±2.5 y, dancing experience: 14.2±4.4 y, Body Mass Index: 19.7±1.4 kg/m2) completed the Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26), the Weight-Pressures in Sport inventory for females (WPS-F) and provided information on their dance lessons.
Results
Twenty-five dancers (29.07%) scored 20 or higher on EAT-26. Positive associations were found between EAT-26 and its subscales with WPS-F and its subscales (r=.217 to .600, p=0.05). Negative associations were found between age and dancing experience with the EAT-26 score and its subscales Dieting and Bulimia and Food Preoccupation (r=-.286 to -.373, p=0.001) and between body weight and BMI with Oral Control (r=-.300 to -.372, p=0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that Pressures regarding Appearance and Performance, age, and dancing experience accounted for 38.3% of the variance in EAT-26 (p=0.001), albeit age and training experience with a negative coefficient. Moderation analysis showed that dancing experience moderates the relationship between Pressures regarding Appearance and Performance and eating disorder symptoms (interaction b=-.22, p=0.015).
Discussion
Professional female dancers are at elevated risk for disordered eating. Inherent pressures regarding appearance and performance are the strongest predictors of eating disorders, while greater age and dancing experience may be associated with improved coping in relation to eating pathology. Failure to address weight pressures may not only impact dancers’ performance but also hinder the early detection and management of eating pathology, where timely intervention may be required.