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Article
Weighing and Body Monitoring Among College Women: The Scale Number as an Emotional Barometer
Journal of College Student Psychotherapy (2013)
  • Laurie B. Mintz, University of Florida
  • Germine H. Awad, University of Texas at Austin
  • Rebecca D. Stinson, University of Iowa
  • Rashanta A. Bledman, University of Maryland, College Park
  • Angela D. Coker, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • Susan Kashubeck-West, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • Kathleen Connelly, University of Florida
Abstract
This study investigated weighing and body-monitoring behaviors, as well as psychological and behavioral reactions to weighing, among female college students. Weighing and body monitoring were engaged in by the majority of participants. Participants changed food intake and exercise based on weight. About 63% reported that the scale number impacts their mood, and 50% and 48% indicated that it impacts their sexual comfort and self-esteem, respectively. Most did not perceive self-weighing to be harmful. College counselors should be aware that weighing and body monitoring are normative, with negative psychological outcomes associated with weighing for a substantive percentage of college women. (Contains 7 tables.)
Publication Date
January 1, 2013
DOI
10.1080/87568225.2013.739039
Citation Information
Laurie B. Mintz, Germine H. Awad, Rebecca D. Stinson, Rashanta A. Bledman, et al.. "Weighing and Body Monitoring Among College Women: The Scale Number as an Emotional Barometer" Journal of College Student Psychotherapy Vol. 27 Iss. 1 (2013) p. 78 - 91
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/susan-kashubeck-west/7/