Sexual Violence and Eating Disordered Behaviors in College Women: Examining the Roles of Embodiment and Body Image

Research shows that college women who experience sexual violence, which is prevalent on campuses, are more likely to develop eating disordered behaviors and body image issues (Breland et al., 2018; Gomez, Kilpela, Middlemass, & Becker, 2021; Groff Stephens & Wilke, 2016; Krause et al., 2018; White, Reynolds-Malear, & Cordero, 2011). Newer qualitative research has focused on embodiment, women’s lived experiences in their bodies, rather than solely on body image. Research by Piran (2016) shows that sociocultural factors, including sexual violence, contribute to disruptions in embodiment and, subsequently, eating disorders. The current study sought to better understand the role of sexual violence on eating disordered behaviors through embodiment and body image in the current era of the #MeToo Movement. The study also examined the moderating effects of the presence of physical sexual violence and the level of impact of sexual violence on embodiment and body image and, in turn, eating disordered behaviors. Findings show that, in the presence of physical sexual violence, more frequent sexual violence was associated with disruptions in embodiment and poor body image, which were associated with eating disordered behaviors. When high impact sexual violence was present, more frequent sexual violence was associated with disruptions in embodiment, but not body image, which was associated with eating disordered behaviors. In order to potentially prevent future eating disorders, assessment and treatment efforts for sexual violence should focus on assessing type of sexual violence and impact and then appropriately intervening to improve embodiment and body image