Author(s) :

Emily Yum.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study explores how stress leads to binge eating behaviors in adolescents, a developmental stage marked by academic, social, and performance pressures. Despite evidence linking stress to disordered eating, research on how young athletes perceive this connection is limited. This qualitative study addresses this gap by centering on the lived experiences of four adolescent athletes (ages 10–19) with a history of weight-related eating challenges. Findings revealed that stress shaped eating behaviors through three primary pathways: engaging in emotional eating for short-term comfort, experiencing a guilteating cycle that heightens stress, and developing disrupted eating routines. Triggers included academic pressure, social comparisons, and performance demands. The link between stress and disordered eating was consistent across all participants, highlighting the cyclical nature of these behaviors. This study underscores the importance of holistic support strategies, prioritizing both mental and physical wellbeing, to address emotional regulation and stress management in adolescents at risk of disordered eating.