求偶动机, 进食态度, 同性竞争, 身体比较, 性选择理论

Eating disorders have emerged as a prevalent condition among women over the past decade. However, the therapeutic approaches available and their efficacy are constrained. Given the intimate connection between eating behaviors and body image management, and the substantial effect of body image on women's mate seeking, this research aims to explore the effect of mating motivations on women's eating attitudes. In Study 1, a recall methodology was used on a sample of 123 healthy adult females to stimulate their mating motivations. The outcomes demonstrated that mating motivations sway female eating attitudes, particularly enhancing their oral control. Study 2 conducted a questionnaire survey with 662 adult women, utilizing Mating Seeking scale, Intrasexual Competition Scale, Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test with 26 items. The results indicated that intrasexual competition and physical comparison acted as sequential mediators between mating motivations and female eating attitudes, with intrasexual competition presenting a partial mediating role. Both studies consistently conclude that women’s eating attitudes are affected by their mating motivations, with more potent mating motivations leading to stricter eating attitudes. This research contributes empirical data on the role of evolutionary factors in shaping eating behaviors, aids in comprehending the etiology of eating disorders, and provides a foundational basis for developing interventions.