Regular Article

Cross-ethnic differences in eating disorder symptoms and related distress

  1. Debra L. Franko PhD1,2,*,
  2. Anne E. Becker MD, PhD, ScM1,3,
  3. Jennifer J. Thomas MS4,
  4. David B. Herzog MD1

Article first published online: 1 NOV 2006

DOI: 10.1002/eat.20341

Issue

International Journal of Eating Disorders

International Journal of Eating Disorders

Volume 40, Issue 2, pages 156–164, March 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Franko, D. L., Becker, A. E., Thomas, J. J. and Herzog, D. B. (2007), Cross-ethnic differences in eating disorder symptoms and related distress. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40: 156–164. doi: 10.1002/eat.20341

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

  2. 2

    Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts

  3. 3

    Department of Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

  4. 4

    Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

*Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, 32 Fruit Street, YAW 6900, 15 Parkman St., Boston, MA 02114

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 29 JAN 2007
  2. Article first published online: 1 NOV 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 16 JUL 2006

Funded by

  • Harvard Eating Disorders Center (HEDC)
  • Screening for Mental Health (SMH; formerly The National Mental Illness Screening Project)
  • Eli Lilly and Company

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Keywords:

  • ethnicity;
  • symptom presentation;
  • distress;
  • eating disorder;
  • referral;
  • help-seeking;
  • screening

Abstract

Objective:

This study investigated ethnic differences in the frequency of eating disorder symptoms and related distress in a U.S. college-based eating disorders screening program.

Method:

Responses to self-report questions and counselors' assessment were analyzed in an ethnically diverse sample (n = 5,435).

Results:

The frequency of binge-eating, restrictive eating, vomiting, and amenorrhea did not differ significantly across ethnic groups. However, significant between-group differences were found with respect to modes of purging. Binge correlates (e.g., eating until uncomfortably full) were significantly more frequent among Caucasian than African American participants (p < .001). Binge eating was the best predictor of distress among Caucasians, African Americans, and Latinos, whereas vomiting was the best predictor of distress among Asians. Asian participants who used laxatives were significantly less likely to receive a recommendation for further evaluation than non-Asian participants.

Conclusion:

Ethnic diversity in symp tom prevalence and related distress was identified. Clinician recognition of this potential diversity may enhance culturally competent care for eating disorders. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006

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