Author Identifier
Date of Award
2026
Keywords
policy implementation, eating disorders, disordered eating, performing arts, tertiary education
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Medical and Health Science by Research
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Kanita Kunaratnam 
0000-0002-3149-0706
Second Supervisor
Susan Peacock 0000-0001-8636-5729
Abstract
This study evaluated Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) Fitness to Study (FtS) policy, with particular attention to its effectiveness in supporting performing arts students at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who may be experiencing eating disorders (ED) or disordered eating (DE). Although FtS policies are widely implemented across universities, limited research has examined how effectively they respond to the distinctive risks and pressures faced by tertiary performing arts students. Guided by the Rationale, Objectives, Appraisal, Monitoring, Evaluation and Feedback (ROAMEF) framework, this research employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to evaluate the policy’s capacity to provide appropriate and context-sensitive support. Data were collected through purpose-designed surveys involving WAAPA students, WAAPA staff, and health professionals. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were examined using thematic analysis.
Findings revealed a clear gap between policy awareness, accessibility, and use. Among students, 60% reported awareness of the policy, yet only 7% had accessed it. One-third of student respondents considered the policy inadequate for their needs, identifying barriers such as stigma, fear of being labelled “unfit to study", and the lack of resources tailored to the performing arts context. Staff reported frequently encountering ED and/or DE-related concerns among students but described no training, role clarity, and limited institutional support, with most feeling underprepared to respond effectively. Health professionals external to ECU demonstrated low awareness of the policy and emphasised the importance of early identification, clear referral pathways, specialist training, and stronger integration between institutional processes and clinical care.
The findings suggest that, while the FtS policy provides an important governance framework for student well-being, its current implementation does not adequately address the specific needs of performing arts students. Participant recommendations focused on improving policy visibility and accessibility, strengthening proactive policy education, and adopting a more student-centred and discipline-sensitive approach to implementation. By showing the gap between policy goals and real student experiences, this study offers practical insights to improve well-being support in specialised university settings.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 10th October 2027
Recommended Citation
Gomes, P. O. (2026). Evaluating the effectiveness of ECU’s “Fitness to Study” policy in the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/3jee-6m69