The current study provides Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) norms for Black undergraduate women (N=395). EDE-Q subscale scores, clinical cutoffs, and disordered eating behavior were compared with previously published norms for primarily White undergraduate and community samples. The current sample endorsed mean EDE-Q scores similar to those of White females recruited from the community. Regarding clinical cutoffs, Black women in the current sample were most similar to White college women. Despite similar EDE-Q scores, the current sample endorsed significantly less binge eating and compensatory behaviors than White undergraduate or community women. Outcomes suggest that increased eating- and weight-related concerns among Black undergraduate women might not be associated with disordered eating behavior. Similarly, results suggest that the validity of EDE-Q cutoffs is lower in samples of Black women compared with samples of White women. Additional research is needed to enhance understanding of eating disorder risk factors for Black college women.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.