Disordered Eating: Young Women's Search for Control and Connection

PROBLEM: Approximately 5% of American women suffer from eating disorders and scores more exhibit signs of disordered eating. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of disordered eating in adolescence. METHODS: Grounded theory method was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 college women to explore their experiences with disordered eating. FINDINGS: Choosing disordered eating behaviors as a method of control occurred when the young women lacked connected and close relationships with others. Conversely, when meaningful relationships were present in their lives, the dysfunction abated. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial and dietary assessments are necessary to identify youngsters without connected relationships and/or predispositions to disordered eating.