Investigation into the relationship between disturbed eating patterns and pressure to achieve in female students

Colborn, Ann

Investigation into the relationship between disturbed eating patterns and pressure to achieve in female students

Master Thesis

1994

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

The aetiology of eating disorders has been described by experts as being multidetermined. Of particular interest has been the apparent increase in incidence of these disorders over the past decade. It has been hypothesised that the sociocultural pressure on women living in Western cultural environments to maintain a low body weight had contributed to this increase. This study explored the hypothesis that young females under pressure to be thin because of professional expectations would display a high prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes. Further, that young women, who are under pressure to achieve and be successful would possibly also constitute a vulnerable population. In order to examine these aetiological variables, three independent groups of students were studied. Social Science Students (n=42); Medical Students (n=40) and Dance Students (n=34) were chosen as they represented respectively: a group who were not under specific pressure to be thin or maintain a high standard of achievement; a group who are under constant stress to excel; and finally a group who are under pressure to be very thin because of professional requirements.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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