There has been recent research in the field of eating disorders prevention. Specifically, researchers are examining how current ideas of prevention can be used with athletes to help them resist developing eating disordered behaviors and body image concerns.
This research has been built upon the idea of "cognitive-dissonance" theory. Basically, this means that what we think about matters. Specifically, the question is whether or not our thoughts are consistent with what we believe about ourselves and the world around us.
What researchers have known for a long time is that we tend to "buy into" what we think about. If we think that others are watching us and evaluating how we look, then we tend to believe that is exactly what is happening. What these researchers have further discovered is that when we are asked to think about (that's the cognitive part) and engage in behaviors that may be inconsistent with (that's the dissonance part) what we believe, we will change. We change because the inconsistency or the dissonance is uncomfortable at best and distressing at worst. So, practically speaking what that means is that we have to do something so that we feel better again. One way to accomplish this is to change our beliefs.
This can be accomplished by "making" yourself think about or do something that is in stark contrast to what you believe. If you believe that in order to be happy you have to have a certain number on the scale, or in order to perform at your best you have to lose as much weight as possible your thoughts and behaviors will mirror that (they will be consistent with that belief). This can lead to body image and eating disordered concerns. Instead of thinking that the scale is the only measure of your happiness or performance level, think about how going out with friends can make you happy or that your effort in practice can boost your performance. The more consistently you engage in thoughts/behaviors that are "dissonant" with your belief, your beliefs will change.
Things you can do:
- Write a paper arguing AGAINST diets, scrutinizing your body or equating performance with weight loss.
- Don't' agree with teammates/coaches/friends/family who are critical of themselves. If you can, outwardly disagree with their comments about themselves.
- Complement others on something other than their appearance.
- Complement YOURSELF on things other than your appearance. Journal about it!
- Other ideas...
Be creative with this. The idea is to think and act in opposition to the way you are used to. You'll likely find that not only are your thoughts and behaviors changing, but that you may start to feel better as well.
Cheers!!
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