The purpose of this study was to explore the possible differences in body image, emotional intelligence, anxiety levels and disordered eating attitudes in a group of Taekwondo (TKD) and Judo athletes and non-athletes. The interrelationships of the above parameters were also examined. A total of 60 subjects were recruited: 20 were national and international TKD and Judo athletes and 40 were non-athletes. Subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the BarOn Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (BarOn EQ-I). Athletes had higher levels of emotional intelligence compared to the control group, particularly in factors such as assertiveness (p < 0.01) and flexibility (p < 0.01). The differences were more pronounced in the female athletes compared with the non-athletes, with statistically significant differences in most of the intrapersonal factors (p < 0.01), including self-regard and self-actualization, in the adaptability factors and in most of the mood factors. There were no significant differences in terms of disordered eating attitudes (EAT-26) between the two groups. Regression analysis revealed that disordered eating attitudes were significantly positively correlated with anxiety levels (p < 0.001) and with self-classified weight (p < 0.001). Athletes had higher levels of emotional intelligence and a healthier body image compared to non-athletes, but there were no significant differences in terms of disordered eating attitudes.
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