Compulsive Eating and Substance Abuse Factors Among African-American Community College Students

Abstract

This study examines die associations between compulsive eating and selected substance abuse factors. Respondents were incoming African-American community college students (N = 374). Instruments completed by the respondents consisted of the Compulsive Eating Scale, the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey, and Satisfaction With Life Scale. No strong associations were found between compulsive eating, satisfaction with life, and the substance abuse factors examined, including reported family history of substance abuse. However, strong positive associations were found between the age of first use and the frequency of use within the last year of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.

Key Words:

• African-American
• college students
• urban
• substance abuse
• compulsive eating
• eating disorders