Behavior
Associations of financial stressors with disordered eating behaviors and intuitive eating among college students Soyoung Kim* Soyoung Kim Craig Johnston Cynthia Yoon
Associations of financial stressors with disordered eating behaviors and intuitive eating among college students
Soyoung Kim1, Craig Johnston2, Cynthia Y. Yoon1
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
2 Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA, 77204
Background: College students engage in disordered eating and intuitive eating. Although perceived stress is related to disordered eating behaviors and intuitive eating, how financial stressors relate to such eating behaviors remain unclear.
Objective: To examine associations of financial stressors with disordered eating and intuitive eating among college students.
Methods: Data were drawn from a cross-sectional study of college students (N=1,411 and Mage 20.4± 3.2 years in 2022-2023). Financial stressors, disordered eating behaviors (e.g., overeating, unhealthy weight control behaviors), and intuitive eating were self-reported. Modified Poisson regressions and linear regressions were used to examine associations of financial stressors with disordered eating and intuitive eating, respectively.
Results: For overeating, difficulty affording food was the strongest factor (PR=1.49, 95% CI=1.24-1.79). Anxiety-related binge eating symptoms were associated with difficulty accessing financial aid information and being unable to afford a standard college lifestyle (PR=1.17-1.19). For unhealthy weight control behaviors, all financial stressors except difficulties in obtaining enough money for food or clothing were significant factors (PR=1.16-1.288). For weight and shape concerns, the fear of being identified as financially needy was a significant factor (PR=1.26, 95% CI=1.05-1.49). Intuitive eating score was inversely associated with fearing of being identified as financially needy (β=-4.55, 95% CI=-6.86, -2.24). A cumulative association was observed between the financial stressors and eating behaviors (p value < 0.01).
Conclusion: Financial stressors were related to eating behaviors among college students although the magnitude differed by the type of stressors, level of distress, and number of financial stressors. Future studies should identify strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of financial stress on eating behaviors.