Explored the role of body mass index (BMI) in eating disorders among Hispanic, Asian American, and non-Hispanic white female college students. Data from student surveys indicated that after controlling for BMI, ethnic differences in eating disorder symptoms of concern about weight and shape disappeared, but differences in restrained eating…

Reports a study that examined the leisure orientations of 222 low-income women. Subjects were predominantly black, predominantly overweight, and not employed outside the home. Survey data indicated positive correlations between self-esteem and active participation in recreation activities and negative correlations between self-esteem and leisure…

The prenatal and neonatal factors of 225 children diagnosed with Autistic Disorder were compared with those of 1580 typically developing children. Each of the neonatal factors was compared between the Autistic Disorder and control groups, and between males and females. The results showed that males in the "Autistic Disorder" group had a…

In the past 10 years, eating disorders among adolescent females have become of increasing concern. To assess the prevalence of eating disorders, unusual eating-related behaviors and attitudes, and psychological states among college women, 677 women, from three private northeastern United States colleges, completed a questionnaire assessing…

Understanding the dynamics of premature termination from treatment would be useful for practitioners working with clients requiring prolonged treatment. Compliance in weight management was examined in three studies in order to explore the broader issue of compliance. In study 1, a standard 10-week cognitive behavioral weight management program was…

Recent studies have indicated that bulimia, characterized by binge eating followed by depressed mood and purging, is increasing. To investigate the behavioral and emotional antecedents and consequences of binge eating in women, 22 female college students (14 diagnosed bulimics, 8 binge eaters) completed self-monitoring forms for four binges.…

This monograph describes the patterns, sequences, and timing of physical changes during adolescence for 94 girls studied longitudinally from childhood to maturity. Amount of growth attained, increments, and velocities of growth for several somatic dimensions are analyzed. Results are compared with corresponding findings obtained in an earlier…

Compared obese female binge and nonbinge eaters on mood, diet behavior, and responses to standard and modified behavioral weight control programs, the latter emphasizing meal regularity, intake of complex carbohydrates, and activity. Binge eaters reported significantly more depressive symptomatology, psychological distress and maladaptive diet…

Identifies sociocultural factors contributing to the current emphasis on thinness, examines the negative impact this has had on women's body image, identifies major risk factors in the development of negative body image, and presents focus issues and related strategies designed to enhance body image and prevent development of related problems.…

Investigated the contribution of body size, self-esteem, age, mainstream acculturation, and athletic status to concern or preoccupation about weight among female Mexican American adolescents. Students had low acculturation, high body fatness, and moderate self-esteem. There was little difference between athletes and non-athletes. Greater body size…

Used data on a nationally representative sample of Latina, black, and white women between the ages of 18-45 years to examine the relations among embodied femininity, weight concern, and depressive symptomatology. Results confirmed different patterns of relations for each group. The effects of embodied femininity for Latinas were similar to those…

Gymnastics coaches may place undue emphasis on thinness. Of the 42 gymnasts in this study, 26 reported using some form of pathogenic behavior to lose weight. The implications of the demands on gymnasts and the additional social pressure to maintain exceptional thinness are discussed. (JD)

Adolescents and individuals participating in activities that emphasize body shape and control have been identified as risk groups for eating disorders. A study sought to determine whether certain groups of adolescent females are more vulnerable to disordered eating patterns or usage of pathogenic weight control techniques. Involvement in organized…

Used data from the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Survey to examine whether female adolescents who were attempting weight loss differed from those were not attempting weight loss with respect to several psychosocial factors. Results indicated significant differences between dieters and nondieters. Self-esteem was the strongest…