Peer Influence and Disordered Eating

By Indira Bulhan

Blog Post - 2

Friends and people in one’s environment play an important role in the shaping of an individual. This blog post aims to explore the nature of the relationship between peer influence and disordered eating by taking into consideration various research studies performed in the past.

  Disordered eating can be described as a wide range of irregular eating habits (Anderson, 2018). It should be noted that it is different from eating disorders. It may or may not result in the diagnosis of eating disorders. Some examples of disordered eating are extreme dieting, binge eating, etc. Peer influence can be defined as a form of pressure exerted by peers on individuals or the person’s own motivation to follow their peers by trying to change or modify themselves. It is necessary to look into the relationship as not enough light has been thrown on this subject. Moreover, as society is developing, one’s social relations, especially with their peers, become significant. It may further prove to be significant in order to determine certain relations, with here being the relationship between disordered eating and peer influence.

  Previous research indicates an increase in disordered eating and eating disorders, especially in adolescents (Steiner & Lock, 1998). There are studies which show that there exists a significant positive correlation between peer influence and disordered eating. It is also seen to be equally present in both females and males (Meyer & Gast, 2018).  However, there can exist a difference in nature of influence seems to vary among boys and girls. Peer and maternal encouragement led to predicted weight loss behavior and binge eating in boys. Discussion and encouragement of parents and peers with regards to weight loss predicted other forms of disordered eating in girls (Vincent & McCabe, 2000). Looking at the differences between the two genders helps one to gain a deeper understanding regarding the matter and how it may vary. However, there seems to be a lack of research with concern to the third gender or others. While it can be argued that the following finding may apply to sexes and not gender, it should be considered that the term “boys” and “girls” were used in the study. Moreover, since peer influence plays a major role in the social factor, it may hold a varying effect in terms of the nature of the relationship in disordered eating.

  These research findings raise the question of possible reasons which may help in understanding the relationship between peer influence and disordered eating. One way of understanding this is through Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) (Bandura, 1986) while focusing on the constructs of modeling and reinforcement (Meyer & Gast, 2008). Therefore, the individual gains knowledge by observing their surroundings, here their peers and their responses indicate whether the behavior will be continued or not. Modeling can be seen to exert more influence on an individual when the person (peer) is considered to be highly attractive. One other reason may also be the identification of the individual to the other person. Looking at other possible alternatives, teasing and its frequency among peers can also add as an explanation. However, in that case, the emotional resilience towards teasing and the intensity of reason may also play a factor in determining the relationship between peer influence and disordered eating. In most cases, the discussion and idealization of a certain body type or physique may also lead to a positive correlation. However, it should be kept in mind that correlation does not imply causation and it is not necessary that one may lead to or cause the other. Even though the reasons mentioned above try to look at some of the possible reasons, there can also exist a third-party variable or an alternative explanation.

  Reflecting on a part of the research conducted and their findings, there are a few limitations in the area discussed. A decent amount of studies focuses mainly on adolescent girls. It overshadows other genders and other age groups. Disordered eating can develop in children very young to adults as well. These, however, can become areas of further scope of the study. The perspective of different cultures can also bring an interesting element to future research.

  In conclusion, peer influence and disordered eating share a very interesting relationship which crucial in understanding how one’s social circle can have an impact on an individual’s well-being. There is, however, a lot to explore on which may bring in new and interesting perspectives.

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