Eating and Body Image Concerns for Transgender and Non-Binary Post-Collegiate Athletes

Date of Award

Summer 8-23-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Kathryn Barrs

Second Advisor

Breigh Jones-Coplin

Third Advisor

Mac Brown

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Transgender, Non-binary, Sport, College, Eating disorder, Body image, Athlete

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviors disproportionately impact transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive (TNG) individuals, yet traditional ED treatment models often fail to address the unique causes and manifestations of disordered eating in this population. Collegiate athletes are also at elevated risk for disordered eating due to performance and appearance pressures reinforced by sport culture. For TNG athletes, these risks are compounded by gender dysphoria, conflict between sport-based body expectations and gender expression, and a lack of access to affirming, culturally responsive care. This qualitative study explored the experiences of five TNG former collegiate athletes, focusing on their relationships with food and their bodies. Through semi-structured interviews, the study examined how sport culture, team dynamics, and coaching environments shaped participants’ experiences of disordered eating and body image during and after college athletics. Seven core themes emerged from their college experiences: (a) sport as protective, (b) visibility and validation of queer identities, (c) supportive team and community, (d) chest dysphoria, (e) uniforms and body image, (f) gender expression, and (g) weight stigma. Six post-college themes were identified: (a) positive connection to the body, (b) dysphoria versus dysmorphia, (c) intersectional gender-affirming care, (d) gender legibility and misgendering, (e) grief and conflict in sport, and (f) recovery, community, and post-college reflections. Findings reveal that cisnormative sport environments often intensified body-related distress and disordered eating, yet participants also described meaningful healing through affirming care, and community. This study expands the literature by centering the voices and lived experiences of TNG collegiate athletes.

Copyright Date

7-2-2025

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Corinne B. Duffy-Strode

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

121 pgs

File Size

935 KB

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