Eating disorders are incredibly pervasive and comorbid diseases that affect at least 20% of women in the United States in their lifetime. Alongside this, computer science fields are rising in importance and accolade while still maintaining their discriminatory beliefs towards women. I am investigating how the psychological implications of being a woman in a male-dominated field, computer science, such as facing misogyny and ostracization affect the prevalence of eating disorders(ED) including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. To understand this, I collected and analyzed literature on the subjects of misogyny in STEM, how being an out-group in STEM creates a lack of control for women, the debilitating factors of EDs, and the connection between perceived loss of control and a woman developing an ED. The exploration of the othering of women in computer science was done by analyzing how being the out-group negatively affects their psychological well-being. I then investigated how misogyny strips women of their perceived sense of control. Consequently, I identified that there is a relation between perceived loss of control and the development of EDs. Based on the research available, there was a correlation between women in computer science and being more likely to develop an ED based on the perceived loss of control they experience due to misogyny. Additionally, I want to implement a new or existing model of ED prevention that includes counselors with specified ED training to be easily accessible to all women, but especially those in the STEM fields. Additionally, advisors should be prepared to communicate with women entering the STEM field about their susceptibility to EDs. By accomplishing these realistic goals, colleges in the United States would create a healthier student body both mentally and physically.
Women in Computer Science: The Disordered Eating Habits that Manifest
Category
Psychology 2