Related Experiment Videos
Depression and maladaptive eating practices in college students
W E Hawkins1, R J McDermott, J Seeley
1Department of Public Health Education, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403.
Women & Health
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Maladaptive eating behaviors are linked to depression in university students. This association was stronger in females, with specific eating practices significantly predicting depressive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are prevalent among university students.
- Maladaptive eating behaviors are increasingly recognized as a potential correlate of mental health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between specific maladaptive eating practices and depressive symptoms in a university student population.
- To examine potential gender differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale and the Maladaptive Eating Behavior (MEB) Scale to 234 undergraduate students.
- Utilized stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify predictive eating practices for depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Among female students (n=138), four maladaptive eating practices significantly predicted depressive symptoms, explaining 46.2% of the variance (multiple R = .68).
- Maladaptive eating practices were not significant predictors of depression in male students (n=96).
- "Feeling uncomfortable eating in the presence of others" was the only eating behavior significantly correlated with depression in males.
Conclusions:
- Confirms previous research linking maladaptive eating practices with depressed mood in nonclinical university samples.
- Highlights a stronger association between specific maladaptive eating behaviors and depression in female students.
- Suggests targeted interventions for eating behaviors may benefit students experiencing depressive symptoms, particularly women.