Drunkorexia and trait mindfulness among college students

Abstract

Objective: Combined alcohol and disordered eating (drunkorexia) are alcohol fueled weight management behaviors. Mindfulness negatively relates to both disordered eating and alcohol use. Participants: Participants (n = 344, average age 20) were primarily female (85.2%, n = 293), and Caucasian (82.6%, n = 284). Methods: Students reported drunkorexia and mindfulness. Results: Drunkorexia behaviors were negatively correlated with Acting with Awareness (AA; full attention to a present moment; r = −.21, p < .001) and Nonjudgment (NJ; understanding and leniency toward oneself; r = −.22, p < .001). Drunkorexia motivations are significantly correlated with AA (r = −.13, p = .01) and NJ (r = −.18, p = .001). Structural equation modeling revealed higher levels of NJ related to higher levels of drunkorexia. Conclusion: The objective was to determine a potential relationship between drunkorexia behaviors and motivations, and trait mindfulness. Findings suggest a nonjudgmental disposition relates to lower levels of drunkorexia.

Keywords:

• drunkorexia
• mindfulness
• alcohol
• mindfulness facets
• disordered eating

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Miami University.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.