Emotional Intelligence, Body Image and Disordered Eating Attitudes in Combat Sport Athletes

The purpose of this study was to explore the possible differences in body image, emotional intelligence, anxiety levels and disordered eating attitudes in a group of Taekwondo (TKD) and Judo athletes and non-athletes. The interrelationships of the above parameters were also examined. A total of 60 subjects were recruited: 20 were national and international TKD and Judo athletes and 40 were non-athletes. Subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the BarOn Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (BarOn EQ-I). Athletes had higher levels of emotional intelligence compared to the control group, particularly in factors such as assertiveness (p < 0.01) and flexibility (p < 0.01). The differences were more pronounced in the female athletes compared with the non-athletes, with statistically significant differences in most of the intrapersonal factors (p < 0.01), including self-regard and self-actualization, in the adaptability factors and in most of the mood factors. There were no significant differences in terms of disordered eating attitudes (EAT-26) between the two groups. Regression analysis revealed that disordered eating attitudes were significantly positively correlated with anxiety levels (p < 0.001) and with self-classified weight (p < 0.001). Athletes had higher levels of emotional intelligence and a healthier body image compared to non-athletes, but there were no significant differences in terms of disordered eating attitudes.