Determining populations at risk for developing anorexia nervosa based on selection of college major.

The prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa among students majoring in the areas of dance, drama, physical education, and English was determined by using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). It was hypothesized that female students who might be prone to develop anorexia nervosa as indicated by anorectic symptoms on the EAT would concentrate in areas of study emphasizing exercise and body image. Results indicate the prevalence of anorectic symptoms among the dance and drama majors to be significantly higher than in the English and physical education groups. These findings are compatible with the belief that individuals at risk for developing anorexia nervosa will gravitate toward areas of culture where there is increased focus on body image but not on physical exercise.