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Eating Problems in Adolescents and Youths: Explanatory Variables

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2016

Carmen Maganto*
Affiliation:
Universidad del País Vasco (Spain)
Maite Garaigordobil
Affiliation:
Universidad del País Vasco (Spain)
Lorea Kortabarria
Affiliation:
Universidad del País Vasco (Spain)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Carmen Maganto. Facultad de Psicología. Avda. de Tolosa, 70. 20018. San Sebastián (Spain). Phone: +34–943018344/676848003. Fax: +34–943015670. E-mail: carmen.maganto@ehu.eus

Abstract

This study had the following goals: (1) to analyze the differences between participants with and without risk of eating disorders (ED) in self-esteem, happiness, depression, anxiety, anger, and psychological variables related to ED; (2) to determine possible differences in the group at risk of ED on these variables as a function of sex; and (3) to determine which variables explain the risk of ED. Eight assessment instruments were administered to 1.075 participants (74.6% without risk of ED and 25.4% at risk). The results confirmed: (1) Significant differences such that the without-risk group scored higher on self-esteem and happiness, and lower on depression, anxiety, anger, ED-related variables, and perceived weight (large effect size: η2 = .49; r = .70); (2) Within the at-risk group, males scored higher on body self-esteem, general self-esteem, and anger-state, while females scored higher on perceived weight, state-trait depression, state-trait anxiety, inefficiency, interoceptive awareness, and asceticism (large effect size: η2 = .31; r = .56); and (3) The explanatory variables in both sexes were: for drive for thinness – perceived weight, inefficiency, and impulsivity; for bulimia – body self-esteem; and for body dissatisfaction – inefficiency, perceived weight, anxiety-trait, and happiness. The study provides relevant variables for designing ED prevention and/or treatment programs.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2016 

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