Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In this study we explored the relationship between risk-taking behavior, including disordered eating, and the meanings that individuals assign to those behaviors in a sample of incoming college freshmen. The overall goal of this research is to extend research in problem behavior theory by not only looking at the cooccurrence of problem behaviors, but to determine whether common symbolic meanings are associated across those correlations. Overall, there were 2 distinct factors of risk taking. The first included smoking, alcohol use, marijuana use, drinking and driving, and risky sex. The second included use of diet pills, amphetamines and other drugs, and dieting to lose weight. We also examined the meanings that individuals associate with risk taking as it related to their own risk taking. Overall, 2 roots emerged: pleasers and independents. The former included more risk taking, such as smoking, drinking, binge drinking, marijuana use, sex without condoms, restricting food, purging (via vomiting or laxatives) and taking diet pills. In addition to these risks, these individuals believed that those who fasted are independent, those who engaged in the risky weight loss behaviors are relaxed, care what others think and get credit for their actions. This pattern suggests people who believe in the social benefits of risk taking. The latter root includes nonsmokers who drink, but do not binge drink. They are nondieters who believe that high risk dieters are independent. This pattern suggests individuals who admire independent behavior.