Collegiate recovery programs and disordered eating: exploring subclinical behaviors among students in recovery

The co-occurring prevalence of disordered eating (DE) with substance use disorders is estimated to be high among college students. Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs), primarily used for the support of students with mental health disorders and substance use disorders, are well positioned to potentially provide support for students with DE behaviors. The current study identifies the prevalence of subclinical DE behaviors among college students currently participating in a collegiate recovery program at a U.S. institution. 61 recovering students (Age: M = 29 years, SD = 8.35, 59% male) completed a digital survey inquiring about subclinical DE behaviors using 9 Likert-type scaled questions. Composite subclinical DE scores were significantly different between student genders, as well as full-time and part-time students. Female and full-time students were more likely to experience subclinical DE behaviors than male and part-time students. As subclinical DE behaviors are present among students engaged in CRPs at a high rate, and though behaviors are most pronounced among female students, they are also are present in males. A majority of students engaged in the CRP feel that the CRP can support mental health and DE recovery in addition to serving those in recovery from substance use disorders.