Abstracts
Diehl, B.J. & Baghurst, T. (March, 2015). Coaching with physical disabilities: Guidelines for effective physique modeling despite physical limitations. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Abstract
Coaches are in a unique position to provide support to athletes beyond the context of sport. Self-determination theory and the promotion of autonomy underscore important aspects of motivation that are likely to be applicable to coaches, athletes, and sport participation. It is intended for this article to provide an innovative perspective on the usefulness of considering self-determination, body image, and motivational strategies within the realms of coaching and sport. Furthermore, this article is intended to provide theoretically effective autonomy-based coaching strategies for coaches who may not embody a sport-specific physique due to injury, illness, disability, age, or some other reason, and call attention to the need for future inferential research that investigates the application of these strategies.
Baghurst, T. & Diehl, B. J. (February, 2015). The importance of physique modeling in coaches for positive athletic outcomes. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Abstract
A coach’s role and responsibilities vary depending on situational factors. However, several characteristics of a coach are recognized as important for success irrespective of the coaching level or ability of the athletes. Physical role modeling is a characteristic largely forgotten in the literature, yet can have important positive or negative outcomes both in athlete performance and coach credibility. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present a rationale for including physical role modeling within the tenants of coaching roles and responsibilities. Second, practical suggestions are made to demonstrate how physical role modeling can be presented positively, even when physical abilities are limited.
Diehl, B. J. (January, 2015). Compensatory eating behaviors in relation to alcohol abuse and the moderating effects of opioid addiction. Manuscript unpublished.
Abstract Pending
Diehl, B. J. (2015) Examining biopsychosocial factors in the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia among personal trainers. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract
This quantitative study was intended to result in social change by providing a better understanding of how Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) and a Drive for Muscularity (DFM) manifest in1,039 Personal Trainers (PT’s). Muscle Dysmorphia is considered a subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder that can be exacerbated by an intense drive for muscularity, which may lead to negative psychobehavioral outcomes. Since Personal trainers are an unresearched population with regard to these two constructs, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate MD as measured by the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) and a DFM as measured by the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS). Variables were structured using a biopsychosocial foundation where the dimensions were operationalized through the Body Comparison Scale; the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised; and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4. The biophysical dimension variables of weight, competitive bodybuilder, competitive weightlifter, general appearance concerns, muscle concerns, and somatic features were significantly, positively related to MD and a DFM. Results from the social dimension indicated that the DFM and MD were significantly, positively correlated with an internalization of thin ideals, muscular/athletic ideals, family pressures, and peer pressures to improve appearance, but not media pressures. All psychological variables were significantly, positively related to MD and a DFM. The DMS was able to significantly predict scores on the MDI, even when controlling for the variables of weightlifter and bodybuilder. Men exhibited greater muscle dysmorphic and muscular drive behaviors even though they constituted only 34% of the total sample. Men and women who did display MD and DFM symptoms did so with little disparity, suggesting that gender differences for MD may be less pronounced for Personal Trainers.