Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is defined as the use of any compensatory behavior before, during, and after alcohol consumption to compensate for the calorie intake of alcohol and/or enhance the intoxication of alcohol. It is estimated that the prevalence of FAD among college students is 14% to 56%. Alcohol and disorder eating behaviors on their own are associated with many negative consequences. Therefore, when these behaviors are combined, there is an even more significant potential for more negative consequences to occur. This study aims to examine FAD expectancies held by college students with a lifetime history of FAD and give insight into college students’ positive and negative consequence-oriented beliefs.
This study consisted of 22 undergraduate students from a Public University. Inclusion criteria were that all students self-reported a lifetime history of FAD and no lifetime history of both an alcohol use disorder and an eating disorder. Data collection took place by conducting one hour of one-on-one audio-recorded interviews. Participants were asked about specific compensatory behaviors, motives, and timeframes of engagement in FAD. Additional questions were asked, such as specific anticipated effects of FAD and positive and negative outcomes that they thought would come from engaging in FAD. Examples of positive outcomes include mood improvement, appearance/weight-related benefits, alcohol enhancement, and social approval and connectedness. Negative expectancies include reputational and social concerns, negative physical consequences, negative psychological consequences, and cognitive and behavioral impairment.
The results of this study showed many similarities; FAD expectancies are distinct from existing alcohol and thinness/restriction expectancies. Mood improvement was both a positive and negative reinforcement. Social Approval and Connectedness and Social and Reputational Consequences themes were significant components in how one’s peers may view and interact with others. Positive and negative FAD expectancies may help predict frequency similarly to alcohol expectancies. This study helps provide further direction for future research, prevention, and intervention efforts.
Takeaway: Positive and negative FAD expectancies may help predict frequency similarly to alcohol expectancies.