Abstract
This Independent Study explores the topic of eating disorders in two college populations. It investigates self-image and feminist attitudes, pressures in college to fit in and demographics, all which, in tum, influence the reasons why students, especially women, develop and have a large number of eating disorders. Four dependent variables; need to look good to the opposite sex, need to lose weight, prevalence of an eating problem and the disorders (anorexia, bulimia, compulsively overeating) were tested against six independent variables (sex, income, feminist attitudes, pressure from family to lose weight, school and greek membership) to make conclusions about the prevalence of eating problems and disorders in college and why they occur. This was done by distributing questionnaires which measured self-image, eating problems, emographics and other control variables, to 216 students of College of Wooster and Wayne College. Results showed that the relationship between women, income, school, greek membership and eating problems or disorders were very high. Future research is suggested, focusing on a bigger sample surveyed with a different questionnaire based on eating behavior. More emphasis might also be placed on women and the pressures they feel that they face to keep their weight down.
Advisor
Hurst, Charles
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Sayer, Hilary, "Eating Disorders in College-Aged Women and Men" (1993). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5575.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5575
Publication Date
1993
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1993 Hilary Sayer