"More Positive Childhood Experiences Lower Disordered Eating Risk by 41% Among University Students"

Up to 80% of University Students Experience Disordered Eating Behaviors
Positive Childhood Experiences Can Reduce Risk by Up to 41%
Study Highlights the Importance of Early Prevention and Public Health Strategies

A recent study has found that 8 out of 10 university students experience disordered eating behaviors, such as overeating, binge eating, and preoccupation with appearance.

However, the risk of these behaviors is reduced by up to 41% when individuals have more positive and fewer negative experiences during childhood.

The research team led by Professor Yeo Sun Yoon from the Department of Food and Nutrition at Pusan National University, in collaboration with Professor Craig Johnston's team at the University of Houston, analyzed the correlation between childhood experiences and disordered eating behaviors among 1,634 American university students from 2022 to 2023, according to a report released on September 4. The study was published in the international journal Adversity and Resilience Science.

Professor Yeo Sun Yoon, Pusan National University. Provided by Pusan National University

The researchers measured negative childhood experiences (such as abuse, neglect, and family conflict) and positive experiences (such as care, supportive relationships, and stable environments), and compared these to five types of disordered eating behaviors, including overeating, binge eating, weight control behaviors, and body image preoccupation.

The results showed that having only more positive childhood experiences reduced the risk of disordered eating by 219%, while having fewer negative experiences reduced the risk by 721%. Notably, when both more positive and fewer negative experiences were present, the risk was reduced by up to 41%.

Professor Yoon emphasized, "The fact that 80% of university students exhibit disordered eating behaviors demonstrates the need for preventive strategies that go beyond simple treatment," adding, "Efforts to increase positive experiences and minimize negative experiences during childhood should be pursued together."

This study is considered significant because it expands the issue of disordered eating among university students from an individual concern to a continuous social problem linked to childhood environments. The paper has also been featured in major international media outlets.