The Female Athlete Triad and Ethnicity

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to summarize the current literature on the Triad and individual components, to investigate the relationship between the Triad and the prevalence in different ethnicities (White and Black), and determine if acculturation has an effect on disordered eating or the Triad in college aged females using self-report and/or objective measures. Method: 31 collegiate athletes (29 White & 2 Black) and 19 controls (16 White & 3 Black) completed Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scans and a questionnaire on the female athlete triad. Results: No significant difference was found between Black and White athletes and controls when looking at the prevalence of the Triad (p = .326) or acculturation (Unable to assess). Conclusion: Additional research on the prevalence of the Triad in different ethnicities and whether acculturation has an effect on disordered eating or the Triad is necessary to accurately describe the extent of the problems.