Racial differences in eating disorder attitudes, cigarette, and alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE

To compare eating disorder attitudes, cigarette, and alcohol use between black and white college women.

METHOD

Four validated, self-report questionnaires were administered.

RESULTS

Black women reported significantly less substance use. However, substance use, regardless of race, was significantly related to eating disorder symptoms, and women at highest risk for an eating disorder reported the highest levels of substance use. Also significantly related to eating disorder symptoms were negative affect reduction and weight control as reasons for substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

Black and white women at highest risk for an eating disorder also exhibit the greatest potential for substance use.