PEER VICTIMIZATION AND EATING DISORDER SYMPTOMS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

The extant literature suggests that peer victimization is a risk factor for eating disorders. This study examined the relationships between peer victimization, occurring prior to and during college and three types of eating disorder symptoms (bulimic symptoms, dietary restraint, and drive for muscularity) in undergraduate men and women. Participants completed self-report measures using an online system at two time points approximately eight weeks apart. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that pre-college peer victimization was associated with higher levels of drive for muscularity and bulimic symptoms. Peer victimization occurring during college predicted increases in all three types of subsequent eating disorder symptoms. Finally, bulimic symptoms, but not dietary restraint or drive for muscularity predicted increases in future peer victimization. The findings expand the understanding of the bidirectional relationship between peer victimization and eating disorder symptoms among college men and women.