Fit In & Fit Out: Promoting Women’s Belongingness in STEM Majors

Presenter(s): Zige Zhao − Educational Foundations

Co Presenter(s): Mengfan Zhai

Faculty Mentor(s): Jenefer Husman

Poster 105

Research Area: Motivation on Learning: Gender/Belongingness/STEM

In 2013, the gender gap in STEM was nearly the same as it was in the 1960s (Hill et al., 2010) (As cite by Crenshaw, 2017). We argue social belongingness (SB) – a basic human emotional and psychological need for perceiving acceptance in some social group or setting (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Leary & Baumeister, 2000) – is essential to understand these persistent gender disparities and make the change with tested and potential solutions. We conducted a systematic online review of the research on Social Belongingness Theory (SBT) and women in STEM for the purpose of addressing gender equity by searching the keywords “gender”, “belonging”, “STEM”, and “stereotype” on Web of Science and Google Scholar. We categorized 20 articles into “Why” SBT is important and “How” increase SB promotes female participation in STEM. We found social belongingness affects women’s persistence in STEM (Lewis, 2017), and women’s STEM interests (Dustin, 2013). We also found that lower belongingness among women is due to: generally feeling unwelcome in STEM (Settles, 2006); lack of early exposure to STEM experiences (Cheryan, 2017); and lack of female representation (Hill, 2010). Several articles provide data-based solutions and suggestions on improving belongingness of women in STEM, including: Having female peer mentors during the early college years (Dennehy, 2017); increased positive feedback from male authorities (Park, 2017); greater emphasis on effort as expected and normal to achieve success enhancing female’s feeling of belonging (Smith, 2013); improving perceived identity compatibility (London, 2011); and receiving support from equity sources (Rosenthal, 2011).

Exploring Mediational Models between Body Dissatisfaction and of Loss of Control Eating in Young Men

Presenter(s): Lisa Guerricabeitia

Faculty Mentor(s): Nichole Kelly & Claire Guidinger

Poster 105

Session: Social Sciences & Humanities

Previous research has primarily focused on the behavioral and emotional correlates of loss of control (LOC) eating behaviors—the subjective experience of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten—in women and children. However, there is increasing evidence indicating that these behaviors are prevalent among young men as well. Negative affect, including body dissatisfaction, is a common antecedent to LOC eating in both men and women. Theoretical models suggest that dietary restraint and emotion dysregulation mediate or explain the association between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating. However, these models have not been evaluated in men. The current study will explore possible mediators between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating behaviors in young adult men. An ethnically/racially diverse, nationally representative sample (N = 1114) of young men (ages = 18-30 years) completed a 20- minute online survey to assess body mass index (BMI), emotion dysregulation, excessive exercise, dietary restriction, and LOC eating frequency. We hypothesize that dietary restraint, excessive exercise, and emotional dysregulation will mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and LOC eating behaviors in young adult men. BMI and race will also be explored as potential moderators. This exploratory work may aid in identifying similarities and differences between men and women engaging in LOC eating. While men and women may experience similar motivating drives, those drives may manifest in unique behaviors.

Keywords: Loss of control eating, disordered eating, men