Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Charlton Coles

Abstract

Eating disorders (ED) are maladaptive eating patterns that can have social, biological, health, and occupational consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare binge eating episodes, locus of control, and body dissatisfaction between African-American men (n = 66; 53.70%) and Caucasian-American men (n = 57; 46.30%). There is a current gap in the existing literature regarding the study of men who BE and a sampling bias with regard to ethnic minorities. Based on Bandura's social learning theory model and Rotter's locus of control, the purpose of this research was to determine and compare the relationship between BE, locus of control, and body dissatisfaction among African-American and Caucasian-American men. The participants answered a demographic questionnaire, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Internality, Powerful Others and Chance Scale (IPC), and Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ). A quantitative research design was used and the chi-square was performed to evaluate the variables of the research questions. The sample population came from the Walden University participants pool and men who are self-described binge eaters from the African-American and Caucasian-American ethnicity in the community. Key results showed that African- American men believed they had less power in their lives, lower levels of body dissatisfaction, and increased feelings of chance in their lives. Recommendations for further research can be to replicate this study using other ethnicities. Implications for social change can include increased knowledge of men that BE which can improve their overall health and quality of life while reducing medical costs.

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