Disordered Eating, Perfectionism, Stress, and Satisfaction in Honors: A Research Collaborative Investigating a Community Concern

Authors

Jeffrey E. Hecker, University of MaineFollow
Jainie Giguere, University of Maine
Ethan Lowell, University of Maine
Mimi Killinger, University of Maine
Bailey Lewis, University of Maine
Ailin Liebler-Bendix, University of Maine

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council, 2022, 23(2): 67–86

Comments

Copyright © 2022 NCHC

Abstract

Moved by the lived experience of an honors student, authors describe a three-year Honors and Eating Concerns Research Collaborative (2019–2022), which examines the relationship between perfectionism and eating concerns among honors students. Under faculty advisement, first- and second-year honors psychology majors (n = 5) participated in the collective, carrying out three empirical studies (producing two honors theses) and gathering data from 413 high-achieving students across the curriculum (54 identifying as honors). In survey research, the instruments used were questionnaires and interviews; measures involved four scales—Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APSR), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ). Key findings suggest that concerns about eating, weight, and body shape are common among high-achieving students, who also experience elevated levels of perceived stress (women highest). Authors posit this faculty/ student engagement collaborative as a viable alternative to the traditional expert/ mentee model. A review of literature is provided, and implications for future study and broader appropriation are discussed.