An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Night Eating Syndrome and Depression Among College Students

Abstract

Night eating syndrome criteria include skipping breakfast, night eating, and sleep difficulties. It is associated with mood disturbances, particularly depression, and may contribute to later obesity development. Most research on night eating syndrome has focused on obese persons seeking weight loss treatment, and little is known about night eating syndrome in other populations; therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to examine night eating and depression among college-age students. A paper-pencil survey was completed by 270 students at a southeastern university that included demographic information, self-reported heights and weights, Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (mean age = 21.05, 64.1% female, 78.5% White). A significant correlation was found between total scores for the Beck Depression Inventory and NEQ (r = .35, p < .0001). Health professionals should be aware of characteristics of the syndrome to better diagnose and treat those students who exhibit traits of both depression and night eating syndrome.