Disordered Eating on College Campuses
Women in college are highly susceptible to the development of eating disorders as a result of the presence of social pressures. This article examines the correlation between disordered eating behaviors and college campuses, specifically sorority memberships. Recent psychological studies suggest that sorority members have higher rates of disordered eating than nonmembers. After discussing the study’s relevance, this article details the possible factors, such as a closed environment, that cause these higher rates in the greek system. It finds that there is a great focus on physical appearance and social media, which value thinness. While it is not uncommon for undergraduate women so suffer from an eating disorder, women in sororities are more likely to be exposed to conditions that are related to the development of disordered eating
Eating disorders are extremely prevalent for young women especially those on college campuses. Researchers found that 12%-25% of college women are affected by eating disorders (Averett 875). Eating disorders are largely related to the unrealistic expectations of thinness that society creates for women. Society constantly promotes thinness. As we grow up, we are exposed to things like magazine covers, advertisements, and television shows that idealize thin body types. On top of existing pressures, undergraduate women experience pressures to be thin because of the correlation between physical appearance and success. Society has ingrained this idea that thinness signifies social success and obesity represents laziness (Siegfried Mason 250).
Nicole Siegfried Mason, Psychology Professor of Oklahoma State University, found that background, culture, personal differences, and social factors make some college undergraduate females more susceptible to influence of societal expectations. Oftentimes, social pressures and body objectifications are associated with sorority membership. Research shows that it is more common for sorority members to struggle with eating disorders than non greek life members (Basow 394). The high rates of eating disorders in sorority members is also possibly related to the high value that is put on appearance in western culture. There is a western ideology that beauty and success are related to thinness. Our social media is flooded with images of thin models and celebrities, setting unrealistic expectations for people. Due to the thinner ideal and increasing presence of media in society, the percent of young women dieting is between 31% and 82% (Siegfried Mason 251). It is evident that society’s focus on appearance and body image affects many women. During my time in the greek system, I have noticed that there is a focus on Instagram profiles and posts. Social media networks are such a big part of life for teenagers that users are constantly comparing themselves to influencers and their followers. This has been linked to low self-esteem.
College-aged females are more likely to be unhappy with their appearance and develop disordered eating (Ward 51). Girls involved in greek life often feel pressured to diet or change their physical appearance. It is not uncommon for rushees to focus on their appearance before the rush process begins. During rush, I noticed that many girls focused on their outfits and physical presentation more than usual. Many girls exercise and diet more before rush begins, suggesting that sororities encourages body shaming. There is no evidence that sororities cause disordered eating; however, sorority members are exposed to social expectations that magnify their susceptibility to the development of disordered eating. There are social pressures on “appearance related to dating, parties, and other social activities” that are related to the increased prevalence of eating disorders (Siegfried Mason 250). While all women are exposed to the ideal of thinness, the women who internalize these ideals are more likely to develop disordered eating.
There are some environments that make women more susceptible to accepting social pressures. For instance, “because sororities are competitive and closed environments, they may serve to intensify the sociocultural pressures to be thin” (Siegfried Mason 254). Some women, especially those who live in the sorority house, may be influenced by the disordered eating behaviors of other members in their sorority. According to research, over an academic year, the women’s binge-eating habits became so similar to her friends habits that by the end of the year a member’s binge-eating habits were predictable based on the habits of her social circle (Basow 394). Organizations, like sororities, value conformity. Oftentimes, new sorority members pick up the habits of current members. From my experience in a sorority, I have noticed that some girls feel that it is necessary to look similar to the people around them. Many women internalize social pressures and adopt social norms because they tend to compare themselves to those around them and on social media.
Although it is common for undergraduate women to develop disordered eating, many sorority members recognize the issue and take action to reduce the prominence of eating disorders and body shaming. For example, every year there is a national philanthropy event called Greek Groove that raises money for eating disorder awareness. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Panhellenic donates the proceeds to the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED). Every sorority on campus participates in a dance competition aimed to spread awareness about eating disorders. Hayley Boland, the UNC Panhellenic President, explains that sororities are eager to participate in the competition because many “members have had personal encounters with eating disorders, and CEED helps people overcome these challenges” (Ransom). The unity between the sororities demonstrates the support that the women have for each other. As society’s ideals evolve, women are more focused on supporting one another and building each other up. It is important for our society to embrace diversity, so that people do not feel pressured to fit an unrealistic standard.
Works Cited
Averett, Susan. “ The Effect of Sorority Membership on Eating Disorders, Body Weight, and Disordered‐Eating Behaviors.” Health Economics, vol. 26, June 2016, pp. 875–91, doi:10.1002/hec.3360.
Basow, Susan. “ Body Objectification, Social Pressure, and Disordered Eating Behavior in College Women: The Role of Sorority Membership.” Psychology of Women Quarterly , vol. 31, no. 4, Dec. 2007, pp. 394–400, doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.2007.00388.x.
Mason, Nicole Siegfried. “Bulimia Nervosa in Undergraduate Women: Factors Associated with Internalization of the Sociocultural Standard of Thinness.” Applied and Preventive Psychology, vol. 5, no. 4, 1996, pp. 249–59, doi:10.1016/S0962–1849(96)80016–3.
Ransom, Catherine. “Greek Life Gets Groovy to Raise Money for Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders.” The Daily Tarheel, 5 Mar. 2019, https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2019/03/greek-groove-0304.
Rolnik, Ashley Marie. “Here’s Looking at You: Self-Objectification, Body Image Disturbance, and Sorority Rush.” Sex Roles, vol. 63, no. 1–2, July 2010, pp. 6–17, doi:10.1007/s11199–010–9745-y.
Ward, Rose Marie. “An Examination of Drunkorexia, Greek Affiliation, and Alcohol Consumption.” Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, vol. 59, no. 3, Dec. 2015, pp. 48–66, http://libproxy.lib.unc.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1773549220?accountid=14244.
