Food and alcohol disturbance norms and behaviors: Examining their association and the role of gender
Date of Award
Spring 2025
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
Alexis Audigier, M.S.
Abstract
Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is a behavioral pattern that consists of compensatory behaviors, such as dietary restriction and exercise, which are used in conjunction with alcohol consumption. Despite growing research on FAD, its relationship with descriptive social norms and gender differences remains underexplored, particularly in non-college adult populations. The present study examined the prevalence of FAD behaviors, their associations with descriptive norms, and potential gender differences in these relationships. Using a broad-age adult sample recruited through Prolific (n = 727), item-level FAD descriptive norms were analyzed to determine their specific relationship with FAD behaviors. FAD descriptive norms were measured using a descriptive norms questionnaire adopted from Hill and Ruark (2022), and FAD engagement was measured using the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS; Rahal et al., 2012). Findings suggest that individuals who perceive FAD behaviors as common in their social circles are more likely to engage in them, with exercise and calorie restriction emerging as the most frequently perceived norms. Gender differences were observed for the perception of calorie-related norms, with women perceiving these behaviors as more common than men. These results highlight the need for targeted norm-based interventions to address FAD engagement and its associated risks.
Recommended Citation
Peroni, Victoria E., "Food and alcohol disturbance norms and behaviors: Examining their association and the role of gender" (2025). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 345.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/345