Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chairperson

Erin Hill, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jodi McKibben, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kelsey Blum, Psy.D.

Abstract

Muscularity-oriented disordered eating (MODE) comprises rigid eating behaviors driven by a desire to be toned and muscular (Cunningham et al., 2021; Murray et al., 2019). While MODE has been widely studied among men, it is increasingly prevalent among women, and it is vital to explore its associated risk factors. In particular, the fit ideal (thin but also toned) is an emerging issue among women’s body image and could be a factor for women engaging in MODE; however, there is limited research exploring this relationship. The present study examined the relationship between the fit ideal internalization and MODE among college women while examining social comparisons and body dissatisfaction as mediators—as informed by the Tripartite Influence Model (TIM; Thompson et al., 1999). Participants (n = 644) were recruited through SONA and identified as female or a woman. They completed questions assessing their sociodemographics, exercise habits, and questionnaires measuring the psychosocial variables of focus (fit ideal internalization, MODE, social comparisons, body dissatisfaction). Relationships across all variables were examined through a correlation matrix, and a serial mediation was conducted to test the model. Results revealed positive correlations among all model variables, a significant direct effect of the fit ideal internalization on MODE, as well as significant pathways for all indirect effects. Pairwise comparisons indicated no significant differences among the indirect effects. The findings of the present study will inform clinical practitioners and guide public health education, specifically among universities, on this emerging pattern of disordered eating among college women and its associated risk factors.

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