The prevalence of eating irregularities at UPEI and the awareness, availability and accessibility of treatment options on the “Gentle Island”

Sullivan, Natalie

Honours

2016

MacKinnon, Stacey

Bachelor of Arts

Faculty of Arts. Honours in Psychology.

Psychology

Psychology

University of Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, PE

Despite the increased prevalence of eating disorders in recent years, research into these illnesses is largely underfunded and incomplete (House of Commons, 2014; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002). Within the current literature, however, we can see that there is a significantly elevated rate of prevalence of eating disorders among university students (Eisenberg, Nicklett, Roeder, & Kirz, 2011). As well, while treatment options are limited across Canada, they are especially minimal in the Show moreDespite the increased prevalence of eating disorders in recent years, research into these illnesses is largely underfunded and incomplete (House of Commons, 2014; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2002). Within the current literature, however, we can see that there is a significantly elevated rate of prevalence of eating disorders among university students (Eisenberg, Nicklett, Roeder, & Kirz, 2011). As well, while treatment options are limited across Canada, they are especially minimal in the maritime region, where very few dedicated specialists currently practice. Given this information, how do university students in PEI navigate these limited options if they find themselves needing help for eating issues? Are they aware of the services that currently exist, and if so, have they utilized them? The current study aims to estimate the incidence of disordered eating within a volunteer sample of UPEI students, and explore their level of awareness of local health services that accept individuals with eating issues. Finally, we also aim to examine the perspectives of individuals who have accessed these services and their unique accounts of those experiences. Show less

In presenting this paper in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an honours degree from the University of Prince Edward Island, I agree that the Libraries of this University may make it freely available for inspection and give permission to Show moreIn presenting this paper in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an honours degree from the University of Prince Edward Island, I agree that the Libraries of this University may make it freely available for inspection and give permission to add an electronic version of the honours paper to the Digital Repository at the University of Prince Edward Island. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this paper for scholarly purposes may be granted by the professors who supervised my work, or, in their absence, by the Chair of the Department or the Dean of the Faculty in which my paper was done. It is understood any copying or publication or use of this paper or parts thereof for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. It is also understood that due recognition shall be given to me and to the University of Prince Edward Island in any scholarly use which may be made of any material in my paper. Show less
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