Structural modeling analysis of prospective risk factors for eating disorder.

Many variables have been suggested as possible risk factors for eating disorders (ED), although the validity of these suggestions has seldom been tested causally. The current study tested a pathway model for the development of ED using prospective data from a randomly selected sample of 807 women, aged 18-32 years, from the general population of Sweden. Data was collected using self-report questionnaires with well-established psychometric properties. The cardinal symptoms of binge eating, purging, and fear of weight gain according to the DSM-IV characterized ED. Data supported the hypothesized model suggesting that low self-esteem, low perceived social support from the family, high levels of body concern, and high relative use of escape avoidance coping constitute a risk profile for later development of ED. Given the results and the fact that these risk factors can be modified, their practical utility and clinical significance should be examined in prevention studies.