| A cumulative stressor model proposes why many young people develop psychopathology during the transition to university, while others do not. Those with predispositions to psychopathology are at increased risk when faced with multiple and simultaneous developmental challenges, such as those inherent in the transition to university experience.; Two studies examined the university experience for first year female students. Study I used a daily diary methodology to qualitatively capture the stressful experiences of first year female students. For a period of 6 consecutive days in both the fall and spring semesters, stresses were recorded in the areas of academics, family, residential, peer, relationship, financial, employment, health, personal, and practical/day-to-day. In both semesters, academics was deemed to be the area of most concern. Health concerns were also very salient, with body image concerns being significantly reflected in the entries.; Study 2 further examined the problematic area of weight, eating, and body image in a prospective design of the cumulative stressor model. Two-hundred and fifty nine female undergraduate students were assessed at 4 points in time (summer, fall, winter, spring). Predispositions (perfectionism, self-esteem, dysfunctional attitudes, thin-ideal internalization, past repeated dieting, and past weight fluctuations), triggers/developmental tasks (weight gain and separation-individuation), and protective factors (stress, coping, social support) were hypothesized to contribute to the development of body dissatisfaction and disturbed eating practices when faced with the stresses of first year university. Results from hierarchical linear regressions suggested that the transition to university does not have a deleterious effect on first year female student well-being. Weight, self-esteem, and dysfunctional attitudes about bodily appearance significantly worsened after transition to university, but the severity of body dissatisfaction and/or disordered eating was not affected. It appears that these patterns are established prior to university.; A multifactorial model was proposed to account for the stability of predictor variables across time. Body dissatisfaction predicted nonpathological dieting, disordered eating, and binge eating practices. Body dissatisfaction itself was predicted by dysfunctional attitudes about bodily appearance, a thin-ideal internalization, and low self-esteem. Perfectionism and lack of social support were direct correlates of disordered eating. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. |
