Date Approved
2008
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Psychology
Committee Member
Karen Saules, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Flora Hoodin, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Carol Freedman-Doan, Ph.D.
Abstract
Binge eating is associated with a host of adverse outcomes, but little is known about sex and racial differences among those who binge eat. The present study examined sex and racial group differences in binge eating within a college-student population. It was hypothesized that White women would endorse higher rates of binge eating than the other groups, and that predictors of binge eating would differ across groups. Participants completed a web-based survey assessing depression, anxiety, body image, weight history, physical activity, smoking, and body mass index. Findings highlight sex and racial differences in the predictors of binge eating, with depression a common predictor across groups. Results suggest that approaches to preventing BE among college students should focus on depression and overweight preoccupation among White students and Black women. These findings may help in the development of tailored treatment approaches, which could be evaluated in future research.
Recommended Citation
Ivezaj, Valentina, "Food for thought: An examination of the relationship between binge eating and psychological variables in a diverse college-student population" (2008). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 196.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/196