Dysfunctional family systems: relationships to disordered eating behaviors among university women.

Clinicians have speculated that the appearance and maintainance of eating-disordered behavior may be attributed to certain familial characteristics which predispose vulnerable individuals to the development of these behaviors. However, few empirical studies exist to substantiate these speculations. This study compared the responses of 190 female university students on three self-report instruments: the Disordered Eating and Weight Control Instrument (DEWCI), the Eating Disorders Instrument (EDI), and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III) to identify potential relationships between eating-disordered behavior and family types. Subjects were classified, on the basis of their scores on the FACES III, into one of three family types: balanced, midrange, or extreme. A one-way analysis of variance with main effect for family type was applied to the eating-behavior subscales. A Turkey multiple comparison test was applied to the significant main effects. Women classified in the extreme family type scored significantly higher (p less than .05) on several measures of eating-disordered behavior. A Distance From Center (DFC) linear score also was computed and correlated with the eating-disordered subscales. All but 4 of the 18 measures correlated significantly (p less than .05). These findings support speculation, particularly that of family theorists, that eating-disordered behavior may be a symptom response and/or coping strategy for women in dysfunctional families.

Alcohol use among university females: relationship to eating disordered behavior.

This study examined the relationship between alcohol abuse and disordered eating among university females. Alcohol abuse was assessed using the alcohol abuse scale of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, and disordered eating was assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory. Of the females who reported frequent episodes of uncontrollable overeating, those who frequently used alcohol were generally dissatisfied with themselves, and those who infrequently used alcohol were generally dissatisfied with others. Females who scored high on alcohol abuse differed from those who scored low by reporting behaviors similar to those identified among women who are substance abusers. Results indicate a possible relationship between alcohol use and disordered eating among university females.

Assessment of disordered eating in females: instrument validation.

The purpose of this study was to validate an instrument capable of assessing 10 dimensions related to disordered eating and weight control behaviors. All subjects were female and ranged in age from 14 to 40. Of these females 68 were bulimics, 12 were compulsive eaters, and 24 eating disorders. The Disordered Eating and Weight Control Instrument (DEWCI) was administered. Differences between the groups were investigated by constructing three dummy variables contrasting the groups, correlating the scales with the dummy variables, and determining which correlations were significant. Eight of the DEWCI scales significantly (p less than .005) differentiated between the three groups. This instrument may therefore have utility for use with female populations.

Disordered eating and weight control behaviors among male and female university students.

The purposes of this study were to develop an instrument capable of assessing factors potentially related to disordered eating and weight control behaviors among university students and then to compare male and female students on these factors. A 90 item instrument was developed. Sixty-four items were written by these authors, such that eight items would assess each of eight identified factors related to disordered eating. Additionally, all 26 items from the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) were included and interspersed within the instrument. The instrument was administered to 502 female university students and their responses were factor analyzed. Ten factors were identified. The instrument was then administered to 94 female and 76 male university students. Results indicate that compared to males, females report a greater desire to be thin, less tolerance for cold, more frequent use of laxatives, and a greater occurrence of eating in response to internal and external cues. There were no other sex differences. The students in this study appeared to be engaging in appropriate health practices.

Eating disordered behaviors: a comparison of male and female university students.

This study compared male and female students on measures characteristic of eating disordered behavior. Measures investigated were subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory and of the Restrained Eating Scale. Results indicated that both males and females reported a fundamental pattern of eating disordered behavior. This pattern consisted of going on and off diets with an accompanying complaint of a lack of confidence in recognizing and identifying sensations of hunger and satiety. Females differed from males in that they reported more anorexic behavior and scored significantly higher on most measures of eating disordered behavior. Although the fundamental pattern of disordered eating leading to bulimia may be similar between the sexes, females appear to be at greater risk to the development of these behaviors.

Desire for thinness among high school cheerleaders: relationship to disordered eating and weight control behaviors.

The eating disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia are increasing in frequency among adolescent females. These increases have been linked to the cultural ideal in American society of thinness. Attempting to control weight is one behavioral manifestation of the desire for thinness. One particular group of adolescents, female cheerleaders, often experience pressure to attain and maintain weight that is lower than other adolescents of the same height. This study examined cheerleaders' desire for thinness in relationship to disordered eating and weight control behaviors. A Desire for Thinness Scale and selected scales from three eating disorders instruments were administered to 751 high school cheerleaders from the Midwest. Cheerleaders who scored in the upper third on the Desire for Thinness Scale were compared with those who scored in the lower third. Cheerleaders who expressed a strong desire for thinness had significantly higher scores (p less than .0001) on 7 of 8 eating disorders scales. The greater the desire for thinness, the more likely the tendency to report disordered eating and weight control behaviors associated with bulimia. Implications from this study include an awareness of how a cultural ideal of thinness may indirectly increase disordered eating and weight control behaviors by making weight loss a salient goal. A proactive approach to modifying negative aspects of the cultural emphasis on thinness is proposed.