Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which demographic group is often associated with issues concerning eating disorders and risky behavioral practices?

1. international students

2. the elderly

3. adolescents

4. transgender individuals

The correct answer is: adolescents

The demographic group commonly associated with issues regarding eating disorders and risky behavioral practices is adolescents. This is primarily due to the developmental stage they are in, marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. During adolescence, individuals often experience increased pressure related to body image, peer influences, and identity formation. This period is characterized by a heightened concern for appearance and acceptance, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors, such as dieting, binge eating, or purging, as well as engagement in risky behaviors like substance use or self-harm. Moreover, the prevalence of social media and societal standards of beauty can exacerbate these issues among adolescents, further underscoring the vulnerability of this age group to eating disorders. While other demographic groups may also experience eating disorders or risky behaviors, the adolescence stage is especially pronounced in these concerns due to the unique psychological and social pressures present during this developmental phase.