Investigating how eating disorders vary across different generations and adult stages
Official title: Eating Disorders Across Genders, Generations, and Adult Developmental Stages
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11098594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating disorders have changed over the years for different age groups, especially focusing on college students from 1982 to 2022, to see how things like gender and growing up affect these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $377,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126990-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include college students aged 18-22 and adults who have previously participated in the study and are now in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the specified age groups or who do not have a history of eating disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the prevalence and progression of eating disorders (EDs) across different generations and adult developmental stages. By examining data from college students sampled in 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022, the study aims to understand how EDs have changed over time and how factors unique to adulthood influence their trajectory. Participants will complete surveys on various aspects of eating behaviors and body image, with follow-up assessments planned for individuals over several decades. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the impact of gender and generational differences on eating disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for eating disorders across different age groups and genders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully examined generational changes in health behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield meaningful insights into eating disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keel, Pamela K. — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Keel, Pamela K.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.