The impact of weight change on dieting, food preferences and self-evaluation among undergraduate females
Abstract
The high prevalence of eating disordered behavior among female undergraduates has led to a multitude of studies concerning the cognitive, behavioral and physical antecedents to aberrant eating patterns. This study attempted to address the issue of perceived weight gain and body image as potentially influential factors in binge eating and dietary restraint. Fifty-six undergraduate females were exposed to pre-determined false feedback concerning their weight status over the course of one week and then asked to sample a snack food while completing several questionnaires on restraint and self-evaluation. Results indicated that the experimental manipulation was ineffective in predicting subjects' consumption patterns. In addition, reported patterns of dietary restraint and disinhibition were not predictive of consumption during the experiment. Secondary findings included the importance of initial mood level with regard to subjects' reactions to the study, the relationship between overall self-esteem and body image among subjects, and the inflexibility of subjects' perceived weight status regardless of the type of weight feedback received. Methodological limitations are discussed in terms the generalization of the results and the integrity of the weight deception procedure. Clinical and research implication regarding the results of this study are reviewed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Santogrossi, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Nutrition
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