PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF EATING BEHAVIOR REGULATION IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS: MODEL AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/spectrum/2026-3-9Keywords:
rhythmic gymnastics, eating behavior, psychological regulation, self-esteem, emotional state, coach influenceAbstract
The purpose of the study was to identify the psychological factors underlying the formation of eating behavior in rhythmic gymnasts and to substantiate a model of its regulation within the system of sports activity. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the high aesthetic demands in rhythmic gymnastics, which create additional psychological pressure, contribute to body dissatisfaction, and increase the risk of developing maladaptive behavioral strategies. In this context, particular importance is given to the study of psychological mechanisms of behavioral regulation as an integrated system. Methods. The study involved 20 female athletes engaged in rhythmic gymnastics. Psychodiagnostic methods were used to assess emotional state, selfesteem, perceived coach influence, and eating behavior patterns. Data processing was carried out using mathematical statistics, including Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Results. The findings revealed a system of significant relationships between the studied variables. A very strong positive correlation was found between coach influence and emotional state (r = 0.929, p < 0.001), as well as significant associations with self-esteem (r = 0.868, p < 0.001) and subjective performance evaluation (r = 0.866, p < 0.001). Self-esteem demonstrated the highest density of correlations with eating behavior indicators (r = 0.790–0.919, p < 0.001), indicating its central role as a regulatory component of behavior. Based on the results, a model of psychological regulation of eating behavior was substantiated, in which coach influence acts as an external factor, emotional state represents the primary response, self-esteem functions as the key regulatory mechanism, and eating behavior constitutes the final behavioral outcome. The scientific novelty lies in identifying the systemic nature of interactions between these components and substantiating the indirect mechanism of coach influence through internal psychological processes. Conclusions. Eating behavior in rhythmic gymnasts is formed through the interaction of social and psychological factors functioning within an integrated regulatory system. The proposed model clarifies the mechanisms of this interaction and can be applied in the development of psychological support programs and prevention strategies for disordered eating in aesthetic sports
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