College Majors and Eating Disorder Susceptibility

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The transition to college in itself is a process that involves many changes. As a student learns to become more autonomous and begin to find their own way, the gain in independency and decisions about the future can be overwhelming.

Many college students are encouraged to decide on a major upon entering and beginning their academic courses. It is not uncommon for a student to take a year or two of core courses before deciding on their college major, and even then, many may feel undecided about the direction of their future.  It is estimated than about 20-50 percent of college students begin their academic career “undecided” about their college major, with approximately 75 percent of college students changing their major at least once before graduation [1].

The majority of first-year students who are fresh out of high school typically lack the life experiences to decide on a career path or course of academic study that is suitable for the long term. This kind of decision is something that is usually made after concrete development stages, where a student has had the opportunity to discover more about himself or herself and learn what they might be truly passionate about exploring.

Facing the Unknown

Whether out of pressure from the school system or family members, college students may be forced in deciding or declaring a college major in their first year at school, adding to the countless other decisions that students might also be facing.

Many students who are entering college with the idea of exploration may feel overwhelmed at the thought of making a decision that could potentially alter the course of their time in school. Some students might choose a major without much thought or reason but rather for the sake of checking the boxes and falling in compliance with academic recommendations.

However, as time progress in school and academic courses become more refined in the major, students who are not married to their major may find themselves struggling and/or having a difficult time academically.

First year students who are striving to find and build their own identity may rely more heavily on the advice and recommendations from peers, family, advisors and friends when it comes to academic decisions rather than draw from their own experiences and conclusions to make a rational decision on their own.

The process of choosing an academic major in college can also feel like a “moral” decision for the student who is dealing with abrupt and sudden change. Will this major steer them on the right or wrong path? This perspective and pattern of thinking can add to the pressure that comes with selecting a college major.

The Struggle for Eating Disorder Sufferers

It is understood that there are no single factors that are responsible for the development of an eating disorder, as these psychiatric illnesses arise out of a combination of many different components. However, it is known that both biological and environmental components can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

For a college student who may be biologically susceptible to developing an eating disorder, the transitional period of going to college can be triggering all on its own, especially with the many pressures involved during this time.

Many individuals prone to eating disorders often have certain personality traits and characteristics, such as a people-pleasing persona or perfectionistic tendencies, which can exacerbate stressors faced as a college student.

Some college students prone to developing eating disorders may feel unable to deal with the various pressures and decisions faced other than to turn inwardly or through maladaptive coping mechanisms.

It is not uncommon to want to have something tangible to control, especially when external circumstances may feel out of control. Even with something as seemingly simple as choosing a college major, for a first-year student already facing enormous pressure and change, this can be an overwhelming decision.

Seeking Out Help in College

If you are a college student who may be prone to eating disorder behaviors or who may be in eating disorder recovery, it is important to be particularly sensitive about the external pressures you may be facing, as well as have appropriate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety.

If the thought of choosing your college major is unsettling or difficult to deal with, work with your academic advisors to find a solution more fitting for you. College should be an enjoyable experience that allows you to truly discover things you are passionate about, to learn more about yourself and develop your identity.

If you are struggling with eating disorder tendencies, take the initiative to seek out professional help and the necessary interventions to help ensure that you are able to go through your college years successfully, no matter what major you end up deciding on.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are your thoughts about the possible connection between college majors and eating disorder susceptibility?

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About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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References:

[1]:  Gordon, V. N. (1995). The undecided college student: An academic and career advising challenge (2nd. ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 6, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com