Description: This article discusses how fat stereotypes influence beliefs about physical education. Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine college students' beliefs about youth obesity, the roles of schools and physical education in addressing obesity, and the training they receive to work with overweight youth. Methods and Procedure: Physical education-related (n=212) and nonphysical education-related (n-218) majors completed a demographic questionnaire, a Modified Fat Stereotypes Questionnaire (M-FSQ), and a Perceptions of Physical Education Questionnaire. On the basis of M-FSQ scores, participants were identified as endorsing stereotypes (n=360) or not endorsing stereotypes (n=70). Results: The importance of youth being normal weight was rated most highly among participants in physical education-related majors and among those who endorsed fat stereotypes. Participants who endorsed fat stereotypes, compared to those who did not, were more likely to believe that all school professionals should be involved in treating childhood obesity. Participants who endorsed fat stereotypes, compared to those who did not, more strongly agreed that physical educators should be role models by maintaining a normal weight and educating parents on childhood obesity, and PE classes should focus on lifelong fitness. No group differences in perceived competencies to develop exercise, weight loss, nutritional, and educational programs ...

Description: This article discusses perceptions of youth obesity among physical educators. The purposes of this study were to examine (a) antifat attitudes among physical education teachers (b) performance and ability expectations for normal and overweight youth, and (c) perceptions of the problem of youth obesity and the role of schools and physical education. Participants, 105 physical educators, completed a demographic and background questionnaire, the Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFAS: Morrison & O'Connor), an expectations questionnaire, and Perceptions of Youth Obesity and Physical Education Questionnaire (Price, Desmond, & Ruppert). Participants reported higher expectations for youth they considered normal weight, versus overweight, across a variety of performance and ability areas. Participants overwhelming agreed that youth obesity is a concern and that schools are not doing enough to help overweight youth.

Description: This article discusses the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors among male collegiate athletes. Male athletes have been hypothesized to be at increased risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors due to unique pressures in the sport environment. In this study, 203 male collegiate athletes from three universities completed the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnosis (QEDD; Mintz, O'Halloran, Mulholland, & Schneider, 1997) as well as provided information on binge eating and pathogenic weight control behaviors. None were classified with a clinical eating disorder, though almost 20% reported a sufficient number and level of symptoms to be considered symptomatic. Just over 80% had no significant eating disorder concerns and were classified as asymptomatic. Neither year in school, race/ethnicity, sport type, nor age were related to whether or not the athletes were symptomatic or asymptomatic. In terms of the athletes' body mass, fewer than 2% were underweight and 66% were classified as overweight or obese according to CDC guidelines; over 60% were satisfied with their current body weight. Although the frequency of pathogenic behaviors was low, exercise (37%) and fasting/dieting (14.2%) were the primary and secondary means for controlling weight; fewer than 10% used vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics.

Description: As part of a larger project to examine variables perceived to influence performance in Olympic competition, this manuscript was designed to (a) report coaches' perceptions of variables influencing Olympic athlete performance, (b) triangulate findings from surveys and interviews with Olympic athletes, and (c) examine coaches' perceptions of variables influencing Olympic coaching effectiveness. Surveys were completed by 46 U.S. Atlanta Olympic coaches (46% of all U.S. coaches) and 19 U.S. Nagano coaches (45% of all U.S. coaches). A large number of variables were perceived by coaches to have influenced athlete performances and included having plans for dealing with distractions, strong team chemistry and cohesion, loud and enthusiastic crowd support, high levels of athlete confidence, and fair and effective team selection. Variables perceived to have influenced coaching effectiveness included markedly changed coaching behaviors, the inability to establish trust with athletes, the inability to effectively handle crisis situations, staying coll under pressure, and making fair but decisive decisions.