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The Relationship Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Eating Disorder Development in College Females

The incidence of both childhood sexual abuse and eating disorders is rising. A study of 422 undergraduate college females was undertaken using self report format to determine the incidence of childhood sexual abuse and eating disorders in a college population, and to determine the relationship between the two. In all, 57% of the women surveyed reported experiencing some form of sexual contact before the age of 14. Using the EDI-2 to assess risk of eating disorder development, 42% of these formerly abused women were found to be at risk for the development of an eating disorder. This was not found to be statistically different from the risk of eating disorder development experienced by the nonabused females in this population. However, there were differences found on the dimensions of Interpersonal Distrust, Interoceptive Awareness and Ineffectiveness, indicating that two of the major issues in eating disorder development for the abused women are trust both of themselves and of others, and self-esteem.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc500579
Date05 1900
CreatorsJames, Mary G., 1952-
ContributorsNezworski, Teresa, Mahoney, Michael J., Haynes, Jack Read
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formativ, 62 leaves, Text
CoverageUnited States - Texas
RightsPublic, James, Mary G., 1952-, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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