An empirical exploration of Orbach's theory of compulsive eating among university females

Abstract

This study explores Orbach's (1978) theory of compulsive eating. Orbach argues from a feminist perspective that the female experience in modern society contributes to, and/or perpetuates obesity, and maintains that there is a relationship between the unique socialization women undergo and the specific attributions associated with various body forms.

A series of vignettes and semantic differentials were developed to evaluate Orbach's theoretical concept. A phenomenological approach was adopted in an attempt to circumvent preconceived notions towards obese individuals, and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1981) was administered as a measure of subjects' sex-role typing. Participants also indicated their present, historical, and ideal body image.

In vignette situations, participants attributed experiences and characteristics to the obese form in consonance with issues of safety from sexual violence and harassment, respect, competition and hostility between women, boundaries, and comfort with sexuality as described by Orbach. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that type of vignette, type of word pair, and type of body form all significantly affected participants' perceptions of an obese, normal, and thin figure. A larger historical body and high body dissatisfaction correlated with favorable perception of the thin figure.

Findings are discussed in light of recent issues in feminist theory and current sex-role research.