Graduate Program

Family and Consumer Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2006

Thesis Director

Karla Kennedy-Hagan

Thesis Committee Member

Richard Wilkinson

Thesis Committee Member

James Painter

Abstract

Objective: Research has shown a correlation between date violence and disordered eating behaviors in adolescent females. Those who have experienced verbal, physical, or sexual date violence report an increased incidence in the use of unhealthy weight control practices such as fasting,g diet pills, laxatives, vomiting, and binge eating. In addition to unhealthy eating practices, lowered body image has also been associated with date violence. This study was designed to determine if there is a correlation between date violence, disordered eating behaviors, and lowered body image in college age women. Method: Questionnaire data were gathered from 150 college-aged female students at a Midwestern University. Participants responded to questions regarding demographic information; verbal, physical, and sexual abuse; body and image unhealthy eating practices. Data gathered from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) data analysis program. Results: Findings suggest that date violence is correlated to unhealthy eating behaviors and lowered body image. The results of this study indiсated that there is a relationship between date violence and unhealthy eating practices. It was found that among participants, those who have experienced physical abuse while in a dating relationship fasted more often than those who have not experienced physical abuse. This study also found that those who have experienced sexual abuse in a dating relationship more often reported the use of diet pills and use of exercise as a means to lose weight. As for the relationship between date violence and body image, it was found that participants who have experienced verbal and sexual abuse were more likely to have a lower Body Mass Index than those who have not experienced any violence. According to this study, participants who have experienced verbal abuse reported having a lower perceived body weight than rest of the participants. It is also noteteworthy that normal weight participants who have experienced verbal, physical, or sexuual abuse are more likely to report wanting to lose weight. Conclusion: Findings suggest that date violence has a significant relationship with unhealthy eating behaviors and lowered body image.

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