5 - (SYM 71) The Integration of Oppression Related Variables into Eating Disorder Research

There have been marked inequities observed in eating disorder (ED) symptoms and treatment, with those from minoritized groups likely to experience distinct societal and structural factors associated with systems of oppression, that significantly impact their EDs (e.g., Gordon et al., 2024; Krieger, 2020). However, little is known about the specific effects of these systems on the ED symptoms suggesting an urgent need to examine EDs through a social-justice oriented framework. Such an approach would consider systems of oppression (e.g., cissexism, sexism, racism, classism, ableism, food insecurity), biases (e.g., anti-fat bias, internalized weight stigma) and their intersections for individuals holding minoritized social identities (termed oppression-related variables: ORV). Thus, to advance our understanding of ORV in ED research and treatment using an intersectionality driven approach, the goals of this study were to: 1) Review current literature examining ORV and EDs, including the experience of EDs/ED severity amongst different oppressed groups, including those with intersecting identities. 2) Present preliminary data investigating the role of ORV in EDs and illustrate how these social determinants of health relate to EDs, supporting their significance in ED research. 3) Demonstrate the development of both self-report and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of ORV in ED research. During the symposium, data on the prevalence of ORV in those with EDs (estimated N=100) will be presented and the importance of capturing real-time EMA data on ORV in ED research, as well as their role in the delivery of more precise and personalized ED treatments that consider experiences of marginalization, will be discussed.