From Childhood to College : How Early Experiences Shape Eating Habits?

A new study led by researchers at the University of Houston highlights the profound impact of early life experiences—both nurturing and traumatic—on college students' eating behaviours. The findings suggest that while adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or parental divorce, increase the risk of disordered eating during college, positive childhood experiences (PCEs), like having supportive caregivers and stable routines, can offer significant protection—even in the presence of trauma.

Disordered eating behaviours, including binge eating, emotional eating, and unhealthy weight control methods, are particularly common among college students. According to the study, nearly 80% of this population may be affected, a rate that far exceeds that seen in other age groups. These behaviours often emerge during the college years when young adults are developing their own eating habits independent of family influence.

 An Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston, noted that while previous research has established links between childhood adversity and eating disorders¹, few studies have examined how positive and negative early experiences may interact.

In collaboration with Pusan National University in South Korea, Johnston’s team surveyed 1,634 college students to assess the presence of ACEs and PCEs, and how these experiences correlated with current eating behaviours. Their results, published in Adversity and Resilience Science, revealed that students with high ACEs and low PCEs had the greatest likelihood—up to 63%—of showing significant concerns about body weight and shape, a hallmark of disordered eating.

However, the study also revealed a striking protective effect: Students who reported high levels of positive childhood experiences alongside low levels of adversity were 20% to 41% less likely to engage in disordered eating behaviours.

“Even among students who had experienced significant childhood adversity, the presence of positive memories—such as emotional support, reliable routines, and community belonging—appeared to buffer against the development of unhealthy eating patterns,” Associate Professor of the University of Houston said.

These findings align with existing research emphasizing the importance of early emotional support in fostering psychological resilience.² Positive relational experiences in childhood can shape emotion regulation and coping strategies, which may influence how young adults respond to stress and manage eating behaviours.

The researchers urge clinicians and educators to consider both ACEs and PCEs when assessing students for disordered eating. Food can sometimes become a coping mechanism to deal with unresolved trauma or emotional needs that weren't met during childhood. Identifying the root causes of these behaviours could allow for more personalized and effective interventions.

A doctor from National University in South Korea added, “This research emphasizes the role of broader support systems—families, schools, communities—in creating safe, nurturing environments for children. These environments not only promote emotional development but may also reduce the risk of disordered eating later in life.”

The study advocates for resilience-building programs on college campuses and within communities, as well as screening tools that assess early life experiences to inform eating disorder treatment approaches.³

References:

1. Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258
   
   
2. Bethell, C. D., Jones, J., Gombojav, N., Linkenbach, J., & Sege, R. (2019). Positive childhood experiences and adult mental and relational health in a statewide sample: Associations across adverse childhood experiences levels. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(11), e193007
   
   
3. Cynthia Y. Yoon et al, Associations of Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences with Disordered Eating Behaviors among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Adversity and Resilience Science (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42844-025-00179-y