ERIC Number: EJ833238
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Similar but Different: Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance, Body Shape Dissatisfaction, and Weight Control Behaviors among Male and Female College Students
DeBate, Rita; Lewis, Melissa; Zhang, Yan; Blunt, Heather; Thompson, Sharon H.
American Journal of Health Education, v39 n5 p296-302 Sep-Oct 2008
Background: Although females have a higher incidence of eating disorders than males, there is evidence that among college students both males and females are vulnerable to risk factors associated with eating disorders. Purpose: To explore the relationship between sociocultural attitudes towards appearance (SCATA), body shape (dis)satisfaction (BSD), and attempts to change body weight among male and female college students. Methods: Participants were undergraduates (n=224) attending a large southeastern university. A paper-pencil survey was completed that included demographic information, SATAQ-R, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and a single item assessing current attempts at changing body weight. Results: Logistic regression models revealed that factors related to current attempt to change body weight differed by gender. The two significant factors observed for males included Internalization of SCATA (OR=1.18) and BSD (OR=3.16). Significant factors for females included awareness of SCATA (OR=1.10) and BSD (OR=8.09). Discussion: Although both males and females exhibit SCATA and body shape dissatisfaction, the specific factors related to their current attempts to change body weight differed. Translation to Health Education Practice: College eating disorder prevention should be directed and tailored to all students regardless of gender. Specifically, primary and secondary prevention programs for males should be tailored to explore internalization of SCATA and body image. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Body Weight, Health Education, Females, Self Concept, Prevention, Eating Disorders, Risk, Rating Scales, Males, Higher Education, Surveys, Regression (Statistics), Models, Questionnaires
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A