Relationship between college lifestyle variables, eating disorder education, and eating disorder risk

Abstract

Objective: This study examined relationships between eating disorder risk (EDR), lifestyle variables (e.g., exposure to healthy eating media), and differences among male and female college students. Participants: College students (N = 323) completed survey questionnaires (Fall, 2016). Fifty-three participants retook the survey at a later time. Methods: Participants completed a survey measuring EDR using EDI-3 subscales and 10 college lifestyle variables. Female and male EDR and Time 1 and Time 2 EDR were compared. Relationships between EDR and college life-style variables were examined. Results: Exercise, fewer daily meals, less face-to-face interactions, more digital interactions, less exposure to healthy eating media, and having conversations about body image were associated with EDR risk. Male college students showed an increase in EDR over time. Conclusions: Several lifestyle factors predicted EDR in college females and males. These lifestyle factors are modifiable and may be addressed by colleges during orientation and within the campus environment.

Keywords:

• College health
• eating disorders
• eating disorder risk
• eating disorders prevention

Acknowledgments

Dr. Judith Pena-Shaff, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Dr. Halverson was supported by the VA Office of Academic Affiliations Advanced Fellowship in Menta Illness Research and Treatment. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the United States Government or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Dr. Haltom declares that she has no competing interests.

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 Ithaca College.

Funding

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