Psychology Commons^™

Equality In Times Of Uncertainty: Economic Downturn And Body Image Messaging Toward Women, Ritsa Giannakas

Honors Theses

A vast body of literature indicates that the economy and the status of women are interlinked, with higher levels of economic well-being tending to correspond with advancements in women’s rights. However, little of this research has investigated the changes in the wellbeing of women as it pertains to their physical and mental health, especially as it pertains to exploring the impacts of economics on eating disorder rates and societal messaging toward women. This thesis investigates a novel theory linking economic uncertainty and downturn to the spread of pro-eating disorder content online, positing that economic uncertainty may coincide with a “conservative …

Determining The More Effective Behavior Analytic Intervention For Children With Autism Who Exhibit Pica Behaviors, Jennifer J. Lanham

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Determining the More Effective Behavior Analytic Intervention for Children With Autism Who Exhibit Pica Behaviors. Jennifer J. Lanham, 2024: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: autism, pica, eating disorders, intervention, applied behavior analysis

This dissertation was designed to determine which behavior analytic intervention was more effective in the treatment and reduction of mouthing non-nutritive substances in children diagnosed with autism. This study included four participants in an A-B-A reversal design with a component analysis across four intervention phases. The study participants were enrolled in a center-based treatment environment …

Examining The Relations Between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Quality Of Life In A Transdiagnostic Eating Disorder Sample., Madison Rose Ortman

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are life threatening psychological disorders characterized by obsessions related to food, weight, and exercise. The presence of an eating disorders has been linked to poorer quality of life (QOL) and clinical impairment. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors. EDs and OCD have similar symptom structure as well as similar independent relationships to QOL. The present study aimed to validate these relationships and extend the findings into a more fine-grained symptom analysis of the relationship between EDs, OCD and QOL. Method: Participants (N = 109) were those …

Examination Of The Relationship Between Loneliness And Binge Eating Symptoms, Kimberly Stevens

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Loneliness is implicated in several mental health conditions and may also be linked to eating pathology, like binge eating symptoms (e.g., loss-of-control eating). However, the pathways by which loneliness might be associated with binge eating symptoms are less well understood. Preliminary evidence suggests perceived stress may be a key explanatory pathway. Specifically, perceived stress mediates the impact of loneliness on other mental health outcomes and is associated with increased risk of binge eating symptoms. This study investigated relationships between loneliness, perceived stress, and binge eating symptoms and tested whether heightened levels of binge eating was accounted for by increases in …

Examining A Mediation Model Of Body Image-Related Cognitive Fusion, Intuitive Eating, And Eating Disorder Symptom Severity In A Clinical Sample, Jennifer L. Barney, Tyson S. Barrett, Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Benita Quakenbush, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Purpose: This study sought to explore the associations between Intuitive Eating (IE), eating disorder (ED) symptom severity, and body image-related cognitive fusion within a clinical sample. IE was also examined as a possible mediator in the relationship between body image-related fusion and ED symptoms.

Methods: This study includes cross-sectional analyses with data from 100 adult females and 75 adolescent females seeking residential treatment for an ED. Self-reported demographic information, ED symptoms, IE behaviors, and body image-related cognitive fusion were collected from participants within the first week of treatment following admission to the same residential ED treatment facility.

Results: …

The Parallel Pandemic: A Systematic Review On The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Eating Disorders And Ocd In Children And Adolescents, Nasong A. Luginaah

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

In January 2021, Covid-19 had already been diagnosed in over 100 million individuals¹. Due to the high degree of infectivity, many countries all over the globe attempted to counter the virus by instituting nation-wide lockdowns. The effects of the lockdowns resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents have drawn a lot of public health attention with many calling for an increased in the understanding of the potential effects the youth of today may have to endure. Two specific mental health illnesses have seemingly worsened are OCD and eating disorders.

Food For Thought: An Exploration Of The Interplay Between Eating Disorder Recovery And Recovery Instagram Accounts, Allison Dashow

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Social media use is more widespread than ever, with over 800 million monthly active users on Instagram alone (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). The literature suggests an association between social media usage and mental health issues, specifically that it increases body image concerns, body comparisons, and disordered eating (Saunders & Eaton, 2018; Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). While multiple studies have investigated the type of content present and individuals’ experiences within pro-eating disorder (ED) communities, few studies to date have examined Instagram’s (IG) ED recovery communities. The aim of the current study was to explore the interplay between individuals’ ED recovery and …

Confirmatory Factor Analysis And Measurement Invariance Of The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Body Image In A Clinical Eating Disorder Sample, Jennifer L. Barney, Tyson S. Barrett, Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Benita Quakenbush, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) may be particularly susceptible to body image related cognitive fusion(i.e., excessive entanglement with one’s body image related thoughts such that they unduly influence on behavior). The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Body Image (CFQ-BI) is the only existing measure of this construct, yet its psychometric properties have not been examined within a clinically diagnosed ED sample. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis and explored measurement invariance, construct validity, and incremental validity of the CFQ-BI when used with adolescent (n = 75) and adult (n= 100) females admitting to residential ED treatment. A modified version of the single-factor …

Disordered Eating Habits, Emotion Regulation, And Theory Of Mind In Undergraduate Students, Brianna Borri

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to recognize and attribute mental states to oneself and others, has been found to be impaired in a number of different psychological disorders (Bora et al. 2009). Evaluating ToM in a population suffering from eating disorders, however, has proven less consistent; some Anorexia Nervosa patients show ToM deficits compared to healthy controls (Russell et al. 2009) and others perform similarly (Tchanturia et al. 2004). A common consensus not only seems to be lacking within the literature on ToM and Anorexia Nervosa, but within the broader family of eating disorders as well (e.g., Bulimia Nervosa; …

Psychometric Properties Of A New Measure For Orthorexia Nervosa: The Orthorexia Nervosa Scale (Ons), Rebecca Conrad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a disordered eating pattern that has recently attracted attention from researchers and clinicians, and can lead to some of the same negative effects as other recognized eating disorders, including malnutrition. To continue exploring unique symptoms and features of this disorder, a new scientifically rigorous and inclusive measure needs to be created, focusing on a sample of individuals in the United States. The purpose of this dissertation was to create a valid measure for ON symptomology using rigorous statistical procedures with samples of United States adults. The first study determined the factor structure of the items though …

Disclosing An Eating Disorder: A Situational Analysis Of Online Accounts, Emily P. Williams, Shelly Russell-Mayhew, Alana Ireland

The Qualitative Report

Disclosing a mental illness can be difficult, especially for those affected by eating disorders. Individuals impacted by eating disorders often worry that disclosing their situation may lead to fear, judgment, and stigmatization. Online eating disorder communities have become increasingly popular, hosting thousands of users worldwide, and may be safe places for individuals with eating disorders to communicate and connect. In this postmodern study, we utilized situational analysis to examine online accounts on publically accessible websites where individuals discussed disclosing eating disorders. Situational Analysis utilizes illustrative mapping techniques to demonstrate the complexity of the situation of inquiry, allowing researchers to highlight …

Perseverative Thinking In Eating Pathology : Do Rumination Patterns Differ According To Symptom Type?, Lauren Eileen Ehrlich

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Rumination, defined as repetitive, negative, self-referential thinking, is strongly associated with the development and maintenance of many internalizing disorders. Although rumination was first examined within the depression literature, it is now considered a transdiagnostic risk factor that underlies many psychological disorders. Despite the negative consequences of engaging in these thought processes, rumination is a common cognitive process, perhaps due to positive metacognitive beliefs about the function of rumination. Recent work has demonstrated a link between eating pathology and a tendency to ruminate on eating disorder relevant themes, as well as beliefs about the usefulness of rumination. Our understanding of this …

Sport Factors, Body Image, And Eating Behaviors In College Student Athletes, Kelsey Moran

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Eating disorders are a common psychological disorder with athletes being at a higher risk. The rates of clinical and subclinical (i.e. subthreshold, partial diagnosis, or other specified feeding and eating disorder in DSM-5). There are several sport-specific risk factors that increase the prevalence rate of clinical and subclinical eating disorders and body image concerns. Several eating disorder development models exist for the general population, but one specific sport specific factor: coaches, has been left out, despite their significant impact on athletes. This study examined the relationship between coaching behaviors, eating disorder symptomology, and body image concerns. Potential moderators of teammate …

The Relationship Of Intimate Partner Violence And Help-Seeking With Eating Disorder Symptoms, Rachel Amerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study used the SVAWS, MMEA, BES, and EAT 26 to test the hypothesis that victims of IPV would have a greater number of and more severe eating disorder symptoms than those who have not been victimized. The current study also used the SRQ, BES, and EAT 26 to test the hypothesis that of those who experienced IPV and sought help, those who received positive reactions would have a different number and severity of eating disorder symptoms than those who received negative reactions. Two MANVOVAs did not find support for these hypotheses however, exploratory analyses did find relationships of …

Examining The Role Of Ethnic Identity In The Relationship Between Characteristics Of Autism Spectrum Disorders And Eating Disorders, Ashley Bojorquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present work provides a synthetic literature review investigating the potential role of ethnic identity in the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and eating disorders (EDs). To date, there is no literature that directly examines the role that ethnic identity may play in the relationship between these two disorders. However, there is reason to believe it may; previous literature has shown that race/ethnicity plays a role in both of these disorders, and the role of ethnic identity has been more fully explored in the ED population. Notably, there is little research that examines the role of ethnic identity on …

Female Athlete Body Project Intervention With Professional Ballet Dancers, Sasha Gorrell

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Professional dancers have increased vulnerability for eating disorders (EDs), with three times higher risk than non-dancers. Among ballet dancers, generalized risk for EDs associated with internalization of female beauty ideals (i.e., the thin-ideal) in western culture is compounded by idealization of a ballet-specific body ideal, a combination that confers unique vulnerability for eating pathology. Empirical support has been established for a healthy weight intervention (HWI) that promotes body acceptance and reducing eating pathology; the current study adapted a HWI specifically tailored to female athletes for implementation among professional ballet dancers. Participants from two elite ballet companies were randomized to a …

Gender Role Identification, Sexual Orientation, And Disordered Eating In Young Adults, Natalie Perkins

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Young adults are at a significantly high risk for eating disorders. Existing research is lacking in what factors can contribute to this disorder; however, there is some that suggests that self-identification with masculine and feminine gender roles can contribute to an individual’s risk for disordered eating. Research investigating disordered eating in sexual minorities is particularly slim. The current study sought to examine the relationship between gender role identification, sexual orientation, and disordered eating, as well as the roles that anxiety and depression have in disordered eating development. In our sample (n = 437, 73.6% female, 76.7% white, 87.6% heterosexual), participants …

The Effect Of Weight On The Perceptions Of And Attitudes Toward Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa, Allison E. White

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A large body of research has shown that stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with mental illness are widespread and prevalent. Fewer studies have focused on stigma toward eating disorders, in general, and even less have focused on the stigma of anorexia nervosa (AN), specifically. Preliminary research indicates that AN may be both stigmatizing and admired, but the factors contributing to the perception of AN has not been adequately studied. To date, researchers have yet to examine the role of body size in the perception of and attitudes toward individuals with AN. By showing participants one of three female figures varying only …

Harmful Inspiration: The Consequences Of Viewing Thinspiration And Fitspiration Images, Lanaya Anderson

Master's Theses

In addition to the treatment of individuals with existing eating disorders, research and social efforts have been made recently to prevent the development of eating disorders. Preventative efforts have included: a) expanding research concerning the etiology of eating disorders, b) increasing awareness of the consequences of eating disorders, and c) shutting down pro-eating disorder websites. One aspect of pro-eating disorder websites, thinspiration, has emerged on social media websites. Studies concerning the effects of viewing thinspiration have shown that individuals who view thinspiration are more likely to accept unhealthy beauty standards, show increased self objectification and sexualization, exhibit increased distortion of …

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury As A Risk Factor For Purging Onset: Negatively Reinforced Behaviours That Reduce Emotional Distress, Elizabeth N. Riley, Heather A. Davis, Jessica L. Combs, Carol E. Jordan, Gregory T. Smith

Psychology Faculty Publications

Both nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and purging behaviour are thought to involve harm to the self. The acquired capability for self-harm model holds that engaging in one self-harming behaviour increases the capability to tolerate harm to the self, thus increasing risk for engaging on other such behaviours. In addition, both behaviours are thought to serve the similar function of relief from distress. We thus tested whether engagement in one of these behaviours predicts the subsequent onset of the other. In a longitudinal design, 1158 first-year college women were assessed for purging and NSSI at two time points. Engagement in NSSI at …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Clinician Attitudes And Experiences Learning And Implementing Transdiagnostic Evidence-Based Practices For Eating Disorders, Jennifer Marie Oswald

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Clinician experiences with the implementation of new practices are important factors in facilitating the use of new treatment models and evidence-based practices (EBPs). As such, they provide crucial information to behavioral health dissemination and implementation research. Qualitative interviewing allows researchers to learn from clinician experiences with greater depth and nuance. The present study qualitatively analyzed 8 clinicians’ experiences with the implementation of a new transdiagnostic treatment model for eating disorders (ED) at an intensive residential treatment center. Participating clinicians completed a semi-structured interview based on constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), an organizing framework with demonstrated utility …

Public Health Leaders' Perceptions Of And Attitudes Concerning Eating Disorders, Karin L. Lightfoot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Eating disorders are associated with high mortality rates. Most eating disorder prevention research is conducted within the fields of psychology and psychiatry, not in public health. This gap in public health research can lead to insufficient attention to the root causes of eating disorders and minimal upstream prevention efforts. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify public health leaders' perceptions of and attitudes concerning eating disorders as a public health issue. Objectification theory was used to describe how societal expectations have created an environment in which people's self-worth is based on their outward physical appearance. Ecological theory was …

Anxiety, Uncertainty, Distress Tolerance, And Eating Disorder Symptoms As Related To Non-Suicidal Self-Injury In Young Adults, Mandi L. Martin

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Adolescents and college-aged individuals are particularly at risk for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorders. Research is lacking regarding the cognitive and emotional factors behind the formation and maintenance of both types of pathology. This study examines anxiety, intolerance to uncertainty (IU), and distress tolerance in relation to both constructs in two separate samples (Sample 1: n=364, 58.5% freshmen, 75.8% female; Sample 2: n=156, 52.6% freshman, 66.0% female) with 32.4% and 40% reporting any history of NSSI, respectively. Participants completed a packet of questionnaires regarding the variables of interest and were debriefed and referred as necessary. In the first sample, …

Disordered Eating And Spiritual Well-Being In College-Age Women, Laura Carter

Theses and Dissertations

The Theistic Model of Human Nature and Psychopathology suggests that human development and personality are influenced by biological, social, psychological, cognitive, and affective processes, but the essence of identity and personality is spiritual (Richards and Bergin, 2005). Religious/spiritual issues are often crucial components in understanding the etiology of and recovery from mental illness, including but not limited to eating disorders (Plante & Sharma, 2001; Richards, Hardman, & Berrett, 2007). There is a paucity of quantitative research, however, examining the relationships and role of spirituality and eating disorders. The present study examines the relationship between spiritual well-being and disordered eating. Upper-level …

Facets Of Narcissism In Relation To Muscle Dysmorphia And Eating Disorder Symptomotology, Chanceton K. Littrell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Previous research exploring the relationship between muscle dysmorphia, drive for muscularity, and disordered eating behaviors in relation to personality characteristics, particularly narcissism, has yielded interesting, though often conflictual, results. The current study attempts to further explore these relationships through assessing muscle dysmorphia, drive for muscularity, and disordered eating in relation different facets of narcissism: grandiose and hypersensitive. Participants for the current study included 173 male students that were recruited via departmental Study Board. Participants completed demographic information, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-40, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the Muscle Dysmorphia Questionnaire, the Drive for Muscularity Scale, and the Eating Attitudes Test-26. Results …

Attentional Bias To Body-Related Stimuli In Younger And Middle-Aged Females: The Role Of Eating Disorders And Thin Ideal Priming, Teresa A. Markis

ETD Archive

Research has shown individuals with an eating disorder selectively attend to stimuli related to their concerns, and this attentional component might be one way in which eating disorders are maintained. Research using a variant of the Stroop task has demonstrated that women with an eating disorder have a stronger Stroop interference effect for words related to body shape than controls. The conclusion is individuals with an eating disorder have an information processing bias for stimuli related to their disorder, and thus, slower responses. A main objective of this study was to investigate this effect in both younger and middle age …

Media Literacy Education Exposure Related To Self-Esteem, Body Esteem, And Sociocultural Ideals In College Students And Graduates, Tammy Stargardt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in the United States has increased while the media consistently presents thinner representations of the body. Scholars have found media to negatively influence factors associated with the development of EDs. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental cross-sectional survey design study was to explore relationships between exposure levels to MLE and self-esteem, body esteem, and the internalization societal appearance ideals. Participants included undergraduate students or recent graduates majoring in either communications or an alternative major with comparatively less MLE curriculum. The Body Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Surveys were …

Objective Measures And Insight Assessments Of Muscle Dysmorphia, Austin Blake Lowe

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Muscle dysmorphia is a relatively new psychological disorder primarily affecting males who engage in weightlifting or bodybuilding. Individuals with this disorder are obsessed with the idea that their body is not sufficiently lean or muscular when compared to others and engage in several, risky behaviors (i.e., frequent exercise sessions, anabolic steroid use, structured diets) to increase muscularity. As obtaining and maintaining a muscular physique is so important to his or her self-worth, an individual may have little insight to how their behaviors are affecting their social and occupational lives and are reluctant to seek out psychological treatment. The purpose of …

A Comparison Of Mindfulness, Nonjudgmental, And Cognitive Dissonance-Based Approaches To Mirror Exposure, Cynthia Luethcke, Leda Mcdaniel, Carolyn Becker

Carolyn Becker

This study compares different versions of mirror exposure (ME), a body image intervention with research support. ME protocols were adapted to maximize control and comparability, and scripted for delivery by research assistants. Female undergraduates (N = 168) were randomly assigned to receive mindfulness-based (MB; n = 58), nonjudgmental (NJ; n = 55), or cognitive dissonance-based (CD, n = 55) ME. Participants completed the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ), Satisfaction with Body Parts Scale (SBPS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Mixed models ANOVAs revealed a significant …

The Link Between Dissociation, Eating Disorders, And Self-Harm, Amy A. Zimmerman

Senior Honors Theses

Many researchers and psychological professionals believe that there is a link between eating disorders and self-harm, though this has been less widely researched than other correlations such as that between eating disorders and substance abuse. Various studies have also indicated a relationship between these two variables and dissociation independently; however, there does not seem to be a comprehensive study covering the correlations between all three variables. The researcher for this study aimed to test the correlation between eating disorders and self-harm and collect new information on the link between all three to further the available data on this topic. Data …