Factors Associated with Eating Disorder Tendency in University Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

University students are at a vulnerable age to develop eating disorders, particularly owing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, identifying the factors related to eating disorder tendencies among university students is necessary for early intervention. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with eating disorder tendencies among university students after the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. A questionnaire survey, in both offline and online form, was administered to 561 students from four universities. Eating disorder tendencies, depressive symptoms, narcissistic vulnerability, stress management, self-esteem, and the impact of COVID-19 on their life were assessed and analyzed. The characteristics of students with eating disorder tendencies were related to gender, social networking service interaction, club/circle activity status, depressive symptoms, narcissistic vulnerability, stress coping, and self-esteem. In addition, depressive symptoms and characteristics of "distraction" and "planning" also influenced eating disorder tendencies. Our findings clarified that university students with eating disorder tendencies were characterized by depressive symptoms, narcissistic vulnerability, and low stress coping and self-esteem. Owing to their tendency to seek support to alleviate distress and achieve emotional stability, self-help groups and peer support activities are suggested in universities for early intervention and to deter these tendencies from reaching a clinical stage.