OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify psychopathological, social and family variables that, measured at the age of 13, might predict the development of eating disorders 2 years later, using a standardized interview and controlling the effect of initially abnormal eating behavior. METHOD: At age 13 and 15, 1076 adolescents completed questionnaires for the screening of psychiatric morbidity, abnormal eating attitudes and family dysfunction. Probable cases of eating disorders [159] and 150 controls were assessed with standardized interviews (SCAN). RESULTS: Controlling the effect of previous eating psychopathology, pathological body dissatisfaction, measured with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and a negative perception of parental attitudes were predictors of eating disorders 2 years later. Self-esteem was a protective factor for body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive actions should focus on self-esteem as a protective factor for body dissatisfaction, a strong predictor for eating disorders. The significance of family perception should be explored more in detail in future research.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify psychopathological, social and family variables that, measured at the age of 13, might predict the development of eating disorders 2 years later, using a standardized interview and controlling the effect of initially abnormal eating behavior. METHOD: At age 13 and 15, 1076 adolescents completed questionnaires for the screening of psychiatric morbidity, abnormal eating attitudes and family dysfunction. Probable cases of eating disorders [159] and 150 controls were assessed with standardized interviews (SCAN). RESULTS: Controlling the effect of previous eating psychopathology, pathological body dissatisfaction, measured with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and a negative perception of parental attitudes were predictors of eating disorders 2 years later. Self-esteem was a protective factor for body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive actions should focus on self-esteem as a protective factor for body dissatisfaction, a strong predictor for eating disorders. The significance of family perception should be explored more in detail in future research.
Authors: J D Killen; C B Taylor; C Hayward; K F Haydel; D M Wilson; L Hammer; H Kraemer; A Blair-Greiner; D Strachowski Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 1996-10