Eating Disorders and Socioeconomic Independence: A Life Course Analysis

• In Event: 598 - Section on Sociology of Mental Health Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 04. Life Course

Abstract

Much research documents the etiology and health consequences of eating disorders (ED), but very little is known about the longer term effects ED on non-health domains. Using AddHealth data, this study explores gender differences in the influence of ED on socioeconomic independence in early adulthood and attempts to account for underreporting by identifying not only individuals who have been diagnosed with ED, but exhibit at-risk behaviors. Results indicate that, for females, ED or at-risk behaviors had a statistically significant negative effect on educational attainment (coefficient=-0.3, p<0.05), odds of owning a home (odds ratio=0.692, p<0.05). For males, EDs and at-risk behaviors were associated with higher levels of educational attainment (coefficient=0.473, p<0.05). These findings suggest that EDs have a lasting negative influence on female’s achievement of socioeconomic independence during early adulthood, while males may not be subjected to such long lasting effects of ED.

Authors

• Jennifer Tabler, University of Utah

• Rebecca L. Utz, University of Utah