Gender orientation and alcohol-related weight control behavior among male and female college students |
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Authors: | Robert L Peralta Peter B Barr |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Sociology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA;2. Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA |
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Abstract: | Objective: We examine weight control behavior used to (a) compensate for caloric content of heavy alcohol use; and (b) enhance the psychoactive effects of alcohol among college students. We evaluate the role of gender orientation and sex. Participants: Participants completed an online survey (N = 651; 59.9% women; 40.1% men). Method: Weight control behavior was assessed via the Compensatory-Eating-and-Behaviors-in Response-to-Alcohol-Consumption-Scale. Control variables included sex, race/ethnicity, age, and depressive symptoms. Gender orientation was measured by the Bem Sex Role Inventory. The prevalence and probability of alcohol-related weight control behavior using ordinal logistic regression are reported. Results: Men and women do not significantly differ in compensatory-weight-control-behavior. However, regression models suggest that recent binge drinking, other substance use, and masculine orientation are positively associated with alcohol-related weight control behavior. Conclusions: Sex was not a robust predictor of weight control behavior. Masculine orientation should be considered a possible risk factor for these behaviors and considered when designing prevention and intervention strategies. |
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Keywords: | Alcohol use calorie restriction college students dieting behavior disordered eating femininity gender gender identity gender role orientation heavy episodic drinking masculinity weight control behavior |
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