20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Analysis of Eating Disorders among Freshmen Women at a Small Midwestern University
Laurie R. Schroeder* and Sheryl P. Adams
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to determine the baseline for eating attitudes among freshmen women at Truman State University. Over 260 of the 840 enrolled freshmen females voluntarily completed the Eating Attitudes Test, adapted from Garner et. al, between September 2006 - February 2007. The survey identified the number of respondents currently displaying at-risk behaviors, and what proportion has already been diagnosed with an eating disorder. While only 1.2% of participants admitted past treatment for an eating disorder, in the past six months 15.6% reported eating binges, 6.6% have induced vomiting to control their weight, and 7.5% used diet pills or laxatives as weight control measures. These results will be compared with data from Truman’s 2005-2006 National College Health Assessment for all Truman students, and with national data. The results of this study will help determine the interventions and disordered eating programs needed for the current freshmen class.
Keywords: Eating, Disorders, Freshman, Freshmen, Women, Females, Anorexia, Health
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 37-5
Location: OP 2121
Time: 2:15 pm