AbstractsMedical & Health Science

This thesis examines the relationship between life satisfaction (e.g., family, friends, etc.) and eating behaviors/weight perceptions of 723 college students. Participants completed the survey and data were analyzed using correlations and logistic and multinomial regressions (genders analyzed separately). Satisfaction with Self and Physical Appearance were the strongest correlates with eating variables (-.528 to .369). Worrying about weight (-.528 to -.104), self-described weight (-.407 to -.129), and binging (.110 to .186) were significantly correlated with all LS domains (p < .05). Practitioners should focus on Physical Appearance and Self as entry points for interventions. Researchers should explore the utilization of social norming techniques for shifting the concept of the “ideal” body to one that is more appropriate. Future research should examine the hypothesis that social support may mediate the relationship between life dissatisfaction and poor weight perceptions and dieting behaviors because of previous literature and the results from this study combined.