ERIC Number: EJ1473202
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Available Date: 0000-00-00
A Qualitative Analysis of College Women's Experiences with Dieting
Madison Weinstock1; Taylor Vashro1; Taryn Henning1; Suzanne E. Mazzeo1,2
Journal of American College Health, v73 n3 p940-947 2025
Objective: Dieting is a known risk factor for disordered eating, yet many college women engage in this behavior. Given the popularity of diets, and the risks associated with dieting, it is important to enhance understanding of dieters' experiences. This study utilized a qualitative approach to investigate college women's experiences of dieting. Participants: Eighty-four woman-identifying undergraduates [42% White, 24% Asian, 20% Black, 14% other; Mage = 19.18 (1.77)] who endorsed dieting were included in the study. Methods: Participants provided short-answer responses to open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The following themes were identified: A complicated relationship, variability of experiences, and social factors. Subthemes highlighted the complexity of college women's dieting behavior. Conclusions: Results provide important insight into college women's dieting experiences and their consequences. Future qualitative research should aim to understand how to apply these findings to eating disorder prevention efforts.
Descriptors: Health Behavior, Eating Disorders, Females, Undergraduate Students, Social Influences, Motivation, Student Attitudes, Experience, Risk
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA; 2Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA