Benji is a one year old rescue mixed with chow chow, terrier, pitbull, lab, sass, and cuteness. His current research interests are determining the best spot to lay in the grass and the most effective shape, size, and flavor of stick that the world has to offer. His hobbies include giving you paw, smelling the wind, cuddling, eating peanut butter, and looking incredibly handsome.
Benji is a one year old rescue mixed with chow chow, terrier, pitbull, lab, sass, and cuteness. His current research interests are determining the best spot to lay in the grass and the most effective shape, size, and flavor of stick that the world has to offer. His hobbies include giving you paw, smelling the wind, cuddling, eating peanut butter, and looking incredibly handsome.
Benji is a one year old rescue mixed with chow chow, terrier, pitbull, lab, sass, and cuteness. His current research interests are determining the best spot to lay in the grass and the most effective shape, size, and flavor of stick that the world has to offer. His hobbies include giving you paw, smelling the wind, cuddling, eating peanut butter, and looking incredibly handsome.
Eating Disorder Research Laboratory
Class of 2023 Research Projects
Ishika Gupta: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome & Eating Disorders
My senior thesis project looks to see whether a negative body mindset acts as a mediator between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and eating disorders. PCOS is a condition hallmarked by insulin insensitivity and a hormonal imbalance. Due to insulin insensitivity, women with this condition tend to gain weight or become obese. I believe that because of this rapid weight gain, individuals may develop a more negative body mindset in wanting to lose the weight and therefore turn to unhealthy habits such as eating disorders. The purpose of conducting this study is not only to bring awareness to the condition, but also because PCOS affects a large number of women across the world.
My project will survey women between the ages of 18-40 using a Qualtrics survey that incorporates demographic questions, open-ended qualitative questions, and three quantitative scales (the Eating Disorder scale, the PCOS scale, and the body mindset scale). I hypothesize that having a negative body mindset partially explains eating disorder symptoms in women with PCOS. I think the results of this study could be important in how physicians treat this syndrome, and I hope that my study can help kickstart more research in something I consider a very important topic.
Current Research Studies
 The Chompions StudyAre you a parent of a 5- to 9-year-old with possible ARFID? You and your child may be eligible to participate in the Chompions! Study. We hope to develop a deeper understanding of which interventions for young children with ARFID work best to reduce selective eating. |  Social Comparison StudyDo you find yourself comparing yourself to others on social media? Learn more about our intervention study designed to help combat the loneliness of social media. |  Food Scientists StudyDoes your child (ages 5-9) struggle with eating enough food or a variety of different foods? Click here to learn more about our Food Scientists Study. |
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 Gut Symptoms and EatingAre you interested in gut symptoms and eating across generations? Participate in an online survey for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! |  Coping at the MarginsA look at how racial marginalization affects college students’ mental health, sense of belonging and support at a historically white university |  Adults with ARFIDAre you an adult who has struggled with not getting enough variety in your diet? Are you easily disgusted by new foods? We are trying to learn more about adults with ARFID. Click here to join our research registry to keep up to date with our latest research and learn about new studies. |
 Parents of Children with ARFIDIs your child a selective eater? Are you concerned that he or she may have a diagnosis of Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? Click here to join our research registry to help us learn more about typical development and when children's eating veers off course. |  Research RegistryIf you are interested in joining our research registry for individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, click here. Joining the registry will allow you to learn about new studies and hear about our research findings. |  Online Peer Support of Mental HealthA multidisciplinary Bass Connections project aimed at improving the mental health of college students via peer support through virtual avatar coaches |