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Patterns of physical activity in college students at possible risk for eating disorder
Author(s) -
Richert Alphons J.,
Hummers Jo Ann
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(198605)5:4<757::aid-eat2260050414>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - dieting , psychology , eating disorders , eating attitudes test , risk factor , correlation , clinical psychology , medicine , physical therapy , obesity , weight loss , geometry , mathematics
The relationship between exercise patterns and possible risk for eating disorders was examined in a survey of undergraduates using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Reported hours of jogging per week correlated positively and significantly with total EAT scores and with scores on the “Dieting” factor. The Dieting factor also showed significant correlations with number of activities and total hours of activities. Subjects with EAT scores at or above 30 showed a significantly higher mean number of hours of jogging per week than subjects with EAT scores less than 30. Total EAT scores and each of the three factor scores showed a significant positive correlation with exercising alone. Overall levels of activity and hours spent in activities other than jogging did not relate to total EAT scores nor differentiate between the high and low EAT score groups. The apparent preference for jogging among those possibly at risk for eating disorders is discussed in terms of sociocultural and dynamic factors associated with eating disorders.