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Possible Cause of Eating Disorders Among Women: Theory of Competition for Mates and Status
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by Laura Austin - Creighton University
Category: Health
The present study examined female intrasexual competition (ISC) in relation to perceptions of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa in women. It was hypothesized that ISC for mates would be more prevalent in women displaying greater bulimic thoughts and behaviors, and that ISC for status would be more prevalent in women displaying greater anorexic thoughts and behaviors. Participants included 90 women between the ages of 18–22. The results indicated that ISC for mates was a main motivating factor in bulimic thoughts; however, ISC for status was not found to be a main motivating factor in anorexic thoughts. Self-esteem was also found to be a major contributing factor in the perception of eating disorders.
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Faculty Supervisor: Isabelle D. Cherbey, Creighton University