Eating Disorders Among College Women: Prevention, Education, and Treatment Responses

Abstract

Eating-related problems, particularly among college women, represent a significant health concern on university campuses. Body image dissatisfaction, weight preoccupation, and unhealthy weight management are prevalent among even normal-weight students, but discussions of broad college health interventions in this area have been limited. Two conceptual tools that are useful in developing a comprehensive health center response to eating disorders in the college setting are described. The diagnosis of Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified is suggested as a framework for defining target populations and eating problems requiring intervention, and a picture of the prototypical eating problem candidate is developed. A multiple-level model of intervention that includes preventive, intermediate, and remedial responses to varied forms of eating-related concerns is described. The intervention model is illustrated with examples, and limitations of the method are discussed.

Using groups for the prevention of eating disorders among college women

“…Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions Sapia / EATING DISORDER PREVENTION 257 disordered behavior is a significant health concern (Lester & Petrie, 1998). Although the eating disturbances of most college females are below the threshold to warrant a clinical diagnosis, there exists a well-documented pattern among these women of weight preoccupation, high rates of dieting, binge eating, and related compensatory behaviors in the form of purging and excessive exercise (Schulken, Pinciaro, Sawyer, Jensen, & Hoban, 1997;Schwitzer, Bergholz, Dore, & Salimi, 1998). Within the college community certain subgroups appear to be at greater risk for the development of eating disturbances.…”

Stability of subclinical obsessive compulsive disorder in college students

“…Subclinical eating disorders and depressive symptoms in these populations have impaired functioning or been predictive of more serious disorders [Heatherton et al, 1995;Schwitzer et al, 1998;Pine et al, 1999]. In a previous study, we found college students with subclinical OCD had significant comorbidity with anxiety and depression [Morris et al, 1996[Morris et al, /1997].…”

Sorority Eating Patterns: A Longitudinal Investigation

“…Prevalence rates of eating disorders for college women are estimated at 3% to 19% for bulimia Powers, Schulman, Gleghorn, & Prange, 1987) and 1% to 2% for anorexia (Mintz & Betz). Additional research has suggested that even more collegiate women display disordered eating behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs while not meeting the criteria for an actual eating disorder (Ash & Piazza, 1995;Klemchuck et al, 1990;Mintz & Betz, 1988;Schwitzer, Bergholz, Dore, & Salimi, 1998;Schwitzer, Rodriquez, Thomas, & Salimi, 2001). Koszewski, Newell, and Higgins (1990) reported 6% of undergraduate women are concerned about bulimia and anorexia, whereas 25% to 40% indicated moderate problems and concern that their eating was out of control.…”