Objective: Emotional eating is prevalent among college women. Deficits in interoceptive awareness, or the ability to perceive and identify internal sensations, are associated with emotional eating. Separately examining the specific components of interoceptive awareness, appetite and emotional awareness, in relation to emotional eating may improve…

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of food insecurity among female collegiate athletes. Participants: NCAA Division I female athletes attending a public university located in East Texas in 2018. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional online survey was employed to gather quantitative and qualitative data regarding food…

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a peer-led single-session intervention targeting the sociocultural pressures of body image. Participants: New members of 13 sororities at one university. Methods: Participants were randomized by sorority into the intervention (n = 207) or wait list control (n = 264). Online surveys were administered at…

Objective: This qualitative phenomenological study explored eating habits, behaviors, and motivations of Gen Z females (born 1996-2002). Participants: Ten participants met selection criteria: female aged 18-24 (thus, part of Gen Z), enrolled full-time at the University and able to share experiences. Maximum variation was sought for race/ethnicity,…

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore factors that influence intentions to adopt healthy dietary behaviors among university students. Five hundred twenty-five university students participated in this study. A questionnaire that included items on intention to adopt healthy eating behaviors, exposure to nutrition, media, parental…

Objective: College students who are members of groups in which appearance and alcohol norms are highly salient may be at particular risk for engaging in food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) behaviors. This study compared demographically-matched sorority- and non-sorority members on FAD and associated behaviors. Participants: College women who…

Introduction: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a cluster of emotional, and physical symptoms PMDD is a more serious and severe premenstrual condition that affects about 5% of women during their reproductive years. Although PMDD, like PMS, may include physical symptoms, it always involves a worsening of mood that interferes significantly…

Expressive Writing (EW) has been recognised as an intervention tool for thin-ideal images. However, to date, there are limited studies which investigated its efficacy to involve dietary restraint and self-compassion as moderating variables. The present work assessed the efficacy of EW in improving levels of body satisfaction and positive affect…

Objective: Describe eating competence, a positive and flexible way of conceptualizing eating attitudes and behaviors, in students enrolled in an introductory nutrition course. Methods: Online completion of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI) and self-assessment of eating disorder status by 557 students (343 ages 18-20 years and 180 ages…

This study investigated weighing and body-monitoring behaviors, as well as psychological and behavioral reactions to weighing, among female college students. Weighing and body monitoring were engaged in by the majority of participants. Participants changed food intake and exercise based on weight. About 63% reported that the scale number impacts…

Objective: To evaluate the capacity of a mobile technology-based intervention to support healthy eating among ethnic minority female students. Participants: Forty-three African American and Hispanic female students participated in a 3-week intervention between January and May 2013. Methods: Participants photographed their meals using their smart…

This study found that treatment-seeking sexual minority college women evidenced serious eating concerns. Regardless of sexual orientation and compared with those with low levels of eating concerns, women with high levels of eating concerns evidenced increased depression, increased generalized anxiety, and a greater likelihood of experiencing…

Clinicians rigorously study diseases and disorders so that they can formulate the best set of criteria for diagnosis. However, it is often the case, particularly on a college campus, that a friend would notice changes in physical or mental wellness long before a doctor or psychologist would. Because of this, research on the accuracy of lay…

Objective: This article examines the relationship between dispositional mindfulness, health behaviors (e.g., sleep, eating, and exercise), and physical health. Participants: Participants included 441 college women. Methods: Women completed self-report surveys at the beginning and end of a 10-week academic quarter. The study was conducted over 5…

Objectives: To examine sex differences in eating habits and nutrient intakes and explore whether eating habits mediate the effects of sex on nutrient intakes and whether sex moderates the effects of eating habits on nutrient intakes. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of eating habits and food-intake frequency in a convenience sample of college…