Examining predictors of binge eating behaviors among racially and ethnically diverse college men

Minnick, Alyssa M.; Cachelin, Fary M. and Gil-Rivas, Virginia (2024). Examining predictors of binge eating behaviors among racially and ethnically diverse college men. Journal of American College Health, 72(7) pp. 2204–2210.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2108322

Abstract

Objective: College men may be at risk for binge eating (BE) but are underrepresented in research. This study aimed to examine if body weight/shape concerns, perceived stress, and psychological distress significantly contributed to the likelihood of BE over the past 28 days.

Participants: A racially/ethnically diverse sample (N = 873) of college men.

Method: An anonymous online survey was administered. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesized associations for the entire sample, and exploratory analyses were conducted within each racial/ethnic group.

Results: The model explained approximately 25% of the variance in BE, with body weight/shape concerns as the only significant predictor in the overall sample and for the White, Black, and Asian subsamples; none of the variables were significant among Latino men.

Conclusions: Body weight/shape concerns predict BE among diverse college men. The findings have implications for future research, as well as for prevention and intervention for college men.