Running and anorexia nervosa: An empirical study

Abstract

It has been suggested that long-distance runners may show characteristics similar to those of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa. The present study attempted to obtain objective data pertaining to this issue by circulating to female marathon runners a questionnaire known to relate to personality characteristics associated with anorexia nervosa. On the scale of "Perfectionism" assessed by the questionnaire, the runners did indeed resemble anorexic patients in their scores. However, unlike the anorexic patients, runners did not appear to suffer as a result; their "Dissatisfaction" scores resembled those of normal individuals. It is concluded that, although superficial similarities exist between anorexics and runners, these do not reflect similarities at a more fundamental, causal level.