| This dissertation uses primary survey and interview data collected from students, faculty and staff at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to investigate the reciprocal relationship between body image and eating behavior as affected by race, gender, age and socio-economic status and by the public or private nature of the eating situation. Findings indicate situational differences and group differences by gender, body self-description and diet history and, to a lesser degree, by age, race, and income. Early socialization messages concerning bodies and eating were also found to affect body image and eating behavior. Implications for public policy addressing health, obesity and inequality are discussed. |
