Abstract

Author(s): Neli ESCAND

Introduction: emerging adulthood in the university is characterized by a series of changes, among which are those related to eating behaviors, and it is possible that risky eating behaviors (REB) are acquired, which are associated with anxiety symptoms, depression and stress. Social support it can be a protective factor.

Objective: identify predictors associated with REB and know the prevalence of these behaviors, analyze the relationship between the variables studied and identify differences by sex and sexual orientation.

Method: A sample of 601 participants was studied, to whom the instruments were applied: Brief Questionnaire of Risky Eating Behaviors (CBCAR), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS- 21).

Results: the variables sex, depression and stress were found as predictors of REB, explaining 17% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0,17). In addition, REB are mainly present in the female sex, where 16,9% have a high risk of REB, compared to 8,7% of the male sex, the differences being statistically significant. There are also significant differences in the prevalence of these behaviors according to the sexual orientation variable.

Conclusion: these results highlight the importance of the prevention of depression and stress symptoms as an action that would allow preventing REB in university students, also emphasizing the importance of paying particular attention to the female group, as they present greater vulnerability with regard to eating problems.