Volume 17, Issue 3
Behaviors and Cognitions Related to Eating Disorders in University Students
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess behaviors, eating disorder (ED), related cognitions, and core beliefs in university students. The sample was composed of 449 psychology students (13.2% men and 86.8% women). The instruments included sociodemographic and eating related data, the MAC questionnaire (Mizes Anorectic Cognitions), the ICA scale (Inventory of Eating Behaviors) and the SQ questionnaire (Schema Questionnaire). Results from inventories showed important ED symtomathology in a 10% of the sample. Women showed more severe behaviors and specific ED cognitions compared to men. Those students who had previous ED treatment presented more ED-related behaviors and more severe cognitions compared to those who did not have such a treatment. A strong association between ED-related behaviors and specific cognitions was found in this population.
Keywords
Behaviors, cognitions, eating disorders