Abstract
College students are at a higher risk for developing body image issues than any other age group (Attwood, 2012). However, empirical research focused on high-risk behaviors in collegiate recreation (CR) is lacking. Therefore, this study served as follow-up to the Shepard, Barnes, Click, and Peden (2011) seminal research which centered on overtraining (over exercise) and eating disorders in CR. A random sample (N = 71) of National Intramural and Recreational Sports (NIRSA) fitness and wellness professionals from CR departments across North America participated in the 2016 study compared with 128 participants in 2011. Statistical significance testing (p < .05) indicated that the difference in sample size between the two studies was not significant. Ninety-four percent of CR professionals agreed or strongly agreed that having NIRSA supported best practices for addressing overtraining would be helpful compared with 96% in 2011. Similarly, 92% of CR professionals agreed or strongly agreed that NIRSA supported best practices for eating disorders would be helpful compared with 96% in 2011. Additional findings are discussed. Recommendations are provided and meant to serve as a foundation for development of best practices between NIRSA and other professional organizations.
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