Disordered eating and military populations: Understanding the role of adverse childhood experiences

Abstract: Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and disordered eating are both common in military populations, yet research on their connection is limited. This systematic review aimed to analyze themes and gaps in the literature and offer recommendations for future research. Methods: Four databases were searched using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cooper’s approach to research synthesis, resulting in nine articles. Results: Research on ACEs and disordered eating in military populations tended to focus on participants who were Veterans, women, and white. All studies measured sexual abuse, and few explored relational or health outcomes. Discussion: Future research should include diverse samples, a comprehensive assessment of disordered eating, and a wider range of ACEs and other health and relational variables. The inclusion of these variables will contribute to a greater understanding of the far-reaching impact of ACEs on this population.