Meal and Food Selection Patterns of Binge Episodes in Ethnically Diverse Adults

<p>Food selection and associated patterns among ethnically diverse adults with binge eating deserves greater attention given binge eating prevalence among ethnic minorities. The aims of this study were to examine meal patterns, location, and food selection during binge episodes in an ethnically diverse sample of adults seeking binge eating treatment. Participants were 29 adults (86% female) with a mean age of 36.5 (SD = 11.2). Participants had an average body mass index of 32.4 (SD = 8.74). Approximately 41% of participants self-identified as Hispanic/Latino. The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Interview (EDDI) was administered to determine binge eating behavior and to obtain descriptions of binge episodes using a standardized assessment measure. Two independent coders conducted qualitative analyses of the binge episode data to identify the meal, location and food items as well as the food groups from which foods were consumed. Due to the high proportion of Latino participants, we also conducted exploratory comparative analysis bewteem [sic] Latino and non-Latino binge eating patterns. We found that binge episodes most frequently occurred in the participants’ homes and with dinner identified as the most common meal for Hispanic participants and lunch as the most common for non- Hispanic participants. We found that binge episodes typically contained starches and cheese followed by cookies, ice-cream, and chips. Mexican food, sweet snacks, and starches were eaten in the largest quantity during binge episodes. Results indicated slight differences in food selection when comparing Latino and non-Latino participants. Future research should address these potential differences and explore the cultural context of food to inform adaptations and increase binge eating treatment efficacy.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral Project

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2020

Author dc:creator

• Alido, Abigail Grace

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sylvia M. Herbozo
• Susanne B. Montgomery

• Health Psychology
• Multicultural Psychology
• Adults; Eating Disorders

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1112

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-2548