Eating to cope: Advancing our understanding of the effects of exposure to racial discrimination on maladaptive eating behaviors

Abstract

Objective: Racial discrimination is a stressor for young Black women that leads to poor health outcomes, including maladaptive eating. This study presents findings on racial discrimination and maladaptive eating behaviors (overeating, LOC eating) using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Methods: Black emerging adult women (N = 27) with overweight or obesity participated in a 14-day EMA study examining exposure to racial discrimination, eating behaviors, and racial identity. Frequencies and chi-square tests were used to characterize the type of racial discrimination experienced and frequency of overeating. Mixed effect ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess the relation between racial discrimination and maladaptive eating. Moderation analysis was conducted by creating interaction terms for discrimination and racial identity variables. Results: 81.5% of participants reported experiencing racial discrimination. Young Black women reporting exposure to racial discrimination were more likely to endorse higher levels of both overeating and LOC eating compared to times when discrimination was not experienced (p