| Sororities are often linked to disordered eating; however, there is a lack of information regarding the relationship between disordered eating and sorority membership. This study hypothesizes that college-aged women with a history of disordered eating join sororities rather than sororities promoting and establishing disordered eating behaviors, including caloric restriction, purging, fasting, chewing and spitting out food, excessive exercise, misuse of diuretics and laxatives, and enemas. One hundred eighteen first year college women completed the online survey prior to their ability to join a sorority. The average age of the participants was 18 years old (n=106, 89.8%). The racial identification of participants was predominantly White/Caucasian ( n=83, 70%) and Black/African American (n=13, 11%). The intent to join a sorority is assessed in relation to disordered eating, dieting, and the endorsement of traditional feminine traits. The impact of social contagion on the relationship between variables was also evaluated. A significant correlation was found between chronic dieting and the intent to join a sorority r(113)= .20, p = .04. There was a main effect between social contagion and the intent to join a sorority r(104)= .24, p = .01. Addressing dieting habits and promoting healthy dieting may be just as beneficial as treating disordered eating in sororities and on college campuses. |
