Trait Anxiety and Disordered Eating Behavior in College Women: An Evolutionary Analysis

This study examined the causal influences and vulnerability to development of Disordered Eating Behavior from an evolutionary perspective. It tested the relationships between Trait Anxiety and Disordered Eating Behavior, both direct and mediated by other variables. It examined whether Trait Anxiety would increase vulnerability to the detrimental effects of Social Pressure and Eating Problems. 205 female undergraduate students completed a questionnaire measuring Life History Strategy, Executive Functioning, Emotional Intelligence, Trait Anxiety, Impulsivity, Social Pressure, Eating Problems, and Disordered Eating Behavior. Trait Anxiety was found to be a significant causal influence in the development of Disordered Eating Behavior, alongside other factors including Social Pressure, Eating Problems, Impulsivity, and Emotional Intelligence