Evaluation of eating atttudes, body image, mental toughness, and perceived weight pressure from coaches in adolescent volleyball players

This study aimed to evaluate eating attitude, body image, mental toughness, and perceived weight pressure from coaches among adolescent volleyball players. It was conducted with a total of 260 volleyball players (131 females and 129 males), aged between 10 and 18 years, who were actively playing in volleyball clubs in Ankara. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic and healthrelated questions, as well as the Eating Attitudes Test (YTT-26), Body Image Scale (BİÖ), Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SZDE), Adolescent Nutrition Habits Scale (ABAÖ), and the Perceived Weight Pressure from Coaches Scale (SAAB). In addition, anthropometric measurements were taken by the researcher. According to the YTT-26 results, 21.4% of female and 14% of male participants were found to be at risk for eating disorders. There was no statistically significant difference in YTT-26 scores between genders (p>0.05). Female volleyball players had higher BİÖ, ABAÖ, and SAAB scores, whereas male players had higher SZDE scores (p<0.05). YTT-26 scores were positively correlated with BİÖ and SAAB (r=0.255, r=0.224, p<0.001), while ABAÖ scores were negatively correlated with BİÖ and SAAB (r=-0.255, p<0.001; r=-0.139, p=0.025). Furthermore, negative correlations were found between BİÖ and SZDE, and between SZDE and SAAB (r=-0.194, p=0.002; r=-0.196, p=0.002). As a result, the body image perceptions and eating attitudes of adolescent volleyball players may be negatively influenced by developmental and sport-related factors. Therefore, regular monitoring of adolescent athletes' psychological status and nutritional habits by experts, as well as providing professional support when necessary, is of great importance. Keywords: Adolescent Athlete, Body Image, Eating Attitudes, Mental Toughness, Weight Pressure