Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Fall 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Joanna Buscemi

Abstract

During Emerging Adulthood (EA; 18-29), alcohol use (AU) peaks and eating disorders tends to have their onset. While AU typically decreases by the end of EA, this can be a time of increased isolation and lead to problematic, ongoing use with significant, negative consequences, such as depression, anxiety, or poor sleep. Research has noted similarities between disordered overeating and substance use, resulting in the conceptualization of food addiction (FA). Less is known about trajectories of FA, particularly during EA. Trait impulsivity, a tendency to act without planning or thinking of potential consequences, is associated with problematic AU and FA. Research suggests individuals consume alcohol and highly palatable foods to increase positive affect or cope with negative affect. Research on impulsivity and FA has yielded mixed results, and there is a lack of research on FA in emerging adults, a lack of longitudinal research on FA in general, and few studies have looked at FA and alcohol use simultaneously. The current study explored longitudinal changes in FA symptoms and alcohol consequences (AC) during EA and explored psychological factors predicting these changes using latent growth curve models and random intercept cross lagged panel modeling. Results found that both FA and AC decreased across time points, and there was significant variation in baseline AC and FA symptom count, and in rate of decrease of AC. Additionally, results showed that participants who reported higher FA symptom counts across time points also reported higher AC. Negative and positive urgency and lack of premeditation were positively associated with AC and FA symptom count, while sensation seeking was negatively associated with FA symptom count. Findings highlight increased need for intervention for problematic alcohol consumption and FA among certain sociodemographic groups, and that early emerging adulthood may be a crucial period for intervention for both outcomes given that symptoms did decrease over time. Future research is needed to identify factors that influence changes in alcohol use and FA, and should include the full span of emerging adulthood across a longer time frame.

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