Mutuality, Self-Silencing,
and Disordered Eating
in College Women
Lisa S. Wechsler
Shelley A. Riggs
Sally D. Stabb
David M. Marshall
ABSTRACT. The current study examined patterns of association among
mutuality, self-silencing, and disordered eating in an ethnically diverse
sample of college women (N = 149). Partner mutuality and overall self-
silencing were negatively correlated and together were associated with six
disordered eating indices. All four self-silencing subscales were associ-
ated with disordered eating patterns. For example, external self-percep-
tion was associated with drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction,
and interoceptive awareness. Implications of the findings for college
counselors are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth
Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@
haworthpress.com> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com> © 2006 by The
Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
KEYWORDS. Eating disorder, feminist theory, mutuality, self-silencing
Lisa S. Wechsler, PhD, earned her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University
(TWU) and is currently a licensed Psychologist in private practice.
Shelley A. Riggs, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, University of North Texas.
Sally D. Stabb, PhD, is an Associate Professor, TWU Department of Psychology
and Philosophy.
David M. Marshall, PhD, is a full Professor, TWU Department of Mathematics.
Address correspondence to: Shelley A. Riggs, Department of Psychology, Univer-
sity of North Texas, P.O. Box 311280, Denton, TX, 76203-1280 (E-mail: riggs@
unt.edu).
Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, Vol. 21(1) 2006
Available online at http://www.haworthpress.com/web/JCSP
© 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1300/J035v21n01_05 51