OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the extent of eating problems and their association with self-esteem in girls aged 15-16. METHOD: Six hundred and nine schoolgirls aged 15-16 completed a questionnaire examining eating behavior, self-esteem, and general psychological well-being. A subsample of 31 girls was subsequently interviewed in terms of eating behavior and self-esteem. RESULTS: The questionnaire findings revealed that 56% of girls felt too fat and had used some form of weight control strategy. In addition, 32% scored above the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) threshold for anxiety and 43% reached the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale criterion for low self-esteem. Interviews confirmed that those showing abnormal eating behavior in the questionnaires did indeed show greater eating pathology as well as lower self-esteem. Interviews also revealed that those with high levels of eating concern showed greater levels of global self-dissatisfaction and higher dissatisfaction with their physical appearance and family relationships. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that preventative interventions targeted at girls with low self-esteem may be appropriate.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the extent of eating problems and their association with self-esteem in girls aged 15-16. METHOD: Six hundred and nine schoolgirls aged 15-16 completed a questionnaire examining eating behavior, self-esteem, and general psychological well-being. A subsample of 31 girls was subsequently interviewed in terms of eating behavior and self-esteem. RESULTS: The questionnaire findings revealed that 56% of girls felt too fat and had used some form of weight control strategy. In addition, 32% scored above the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) threshold for anxiety and 43% reached the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale criterion for low self-esteem. Interviews confirmed that those showing abnormal eating behavior in the questionnaires did indeed show greater eating pathology as well as lower self-esteem. Interviews also revealed that those with high levels of eating concern showed greater levels of global self-dissatisfaction and higher dissatisfaction with their physical appearance and family relationships. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that preventative interventions targeted at girls with low self-esteem may be appropriate.
Authors: Kasey L Serdar; Suzanne E Mazzeo; Karen S Mitchell; Steven H Aggen; Kenneth S Kendler; Cynthia M Bulik Journal: Int J Eat Disord Date: 2010-10-18 Impact factor: 4.861
Authors: M Yannakoulia; A L Matalas; N Yiannakouris; C Papoutsakis; M Passos; D Klimis-Zacas Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2004-06 Impact factor: 4.652