Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
12-2005
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Peggy J. Cantrell
Committee Members
Christopher S. Dula, Jon B. Ellis
Abstract
This study investigates whether there are certain age groups in college that are more susceptible to eating problems and the contributing factors for eating disorders. The participants were 144 college women divided into traditional and non-traditional age groups. The EDI-2, BSI, RSE, and additional items were administered. The results show that non-traditional age college women were as likely to have eating disorder symptoms and more likely to possess body dissatisfaction than traditional age college students. The data support body dissatisfaction, aging concerns, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and having children as potential risk factors for eating disturbances. This study suggests that there are high prevalence rates of eating disturbances in all college female age groups, but that the highest prevalence may actually be in older women. It is imperative that clinicians and others working in colleges realize these issues can affect students of all ages.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Jennifer E., "Eating Disorder Symptoms, Body Image Attitudes, and Risk Factors in Non-Traditional and Traditional Age Female College Students." (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1089. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1089
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.