Drunkorexia and trait mindfulness among college students

J Am Coll Health. 2022 Mar 17;1-7. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2048837. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: Combined alcohol and disordered eating (drunkorexia) are alcohol fueled weight management behaviors. Mindfulness negatively relates to both disordered eating and alcohol use. Participants: Participants (n = 344, average age 20) were primarily female (85.2%, n = 293), and Caucasian (82.6%, n = 284). Methods: Students reported drunkorexia and mindfulness. Results: Drunkorexia behaviors were negatively correlated with Acting with Awareness (AA; full attention to a present moment; r = -.21, p < .001) and Nonjudgment (NJ; understanding and leniency toward oneself; r = -.22, p < .001). Drunkorexia motivations are significantly correlated with AA (r = -.13, p = .01) and NJ (r = -.18, p = .001). Structural equation modeling revealed higher levels of NJ related to higher levels of drunkorexia. Conclusion: The objective was to determine a potential relationship between drunkorexia behaviors and motivations, and trait mindfulness. Findings suggest a nonjudgmental disposition relates to lower levels of drunkorexia.

Keywords: alcohol; disordered eating; drunkorexia; mindfulness; mindfulness facets.