The Healthy Eating and Body Image Lab is located in Graduate Center rooms 104, 213, and 214.

About Our Research

The rates of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image disturbances are increasing among male and female adolescents and young adults. It is imperative to understand the nature of these disorders as well as the factors associated with their development. Personal characteristics as well as family, peer, romantic partner, and other sociocultural influences play a significant role and are thoroughly investigated in our work.

Recent News

New Tech in the Lab:
​Eye Tracking Software

We are pleased to announce that we have the Tobii X2-60 eye tracking system! The Tobii X2-60 does not require the use of special glasses or goggles. It is a small device placed at the bottom of the computer monitor, and it measures eye movement using infrared light. This technology is being used in the How We Look at Toys, and How We Think about Ourselves study.
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​The Tobii X2-60 technology will also be used in Maegan Jones' doctoral dissertation, which will examine how children and adults approach or avoid healthy and unhealthy foods. Recent studies suggest that using approach strategies when eating, such as striving to eat more fruits and vegetables, is associated with better health outcomes. Conversely, using avoidance strategies, such as "I won't eat candy", is associated with weight gain. Therefore, Maegan hopes to use eye tracking in order to gain a better understanding of individuals' instinctual reactions to food, in order to learn more about what factors help people lead healthier lives.

Poster to be Presented at International Conference in Australia

Dr, Salafia, Maegan Jones, and Bradi Carlson's collaborative work will be on display at the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorder's 15th annual conference this coming September!
Title: Is it fair to blame Barbie? Exposure to Barbie during childhood as a predictor of adult women's disordered eating.
​Authors: Maegan Jones, Elizabeth Blodgett Salafia, Bradi Carlson
In the News!

NDSU's student run Spectrum recently interviewed Dr. Salafia about her thoughts on body image, as well as our recent research. Click here to read the article!

The Fargo Forum has also written about our research before.

What's to blame? NDSU study finds disparity between what people with and without eating disorders think causes them.

Revel vs. Rogue: Freedom, challenges can help parents curb risky teen behaviors
Magazine Articles
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​Blodgett Salafia, E. H. (2010). Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: What Are the Differences? Eat Smart, Play Hard, Together Magazine (2010-2011 Edition), 10-11.
DifferencesEatingDOvDisorderedEating
File Size: 182 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Blodgett Salafia, E. H., Jones, M. E., Zolnikov, T. R., & Brennan, A. L. (2014). Busting Myths and Presenting Facts about Eating Disorders. Eat Smart, Play Hard, Together Magazine (2014-2015 Edition), 10-11.
EatingDisordersMythsFacts
File Size: 111 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Blodgett Salafia, E. H., Jones, M. E., Suffolk, M., & Carlson, B. (2016). Healthy Parents, Health Children: Be Mindful of Your Body Talk. Eat Smart, Play Hard, Together Magazine (2016-2017 Edition), 16-17.
North Dakota State University | Human Development and Family Science Department
Mailing Address:  NDSU Department 2615 | PO Box 6050 | Fargo, ND 58108-6050
701-231-8268 | www.ndsu.edu/hdfs