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Psychosocial predictors of weight loss behaviors and binge eating in adolescent girls and boys
Author(s) -
Wertheim Eleanor H.,
Paxton Susan J.,
Maude Dana,
Szmukler George I.,
Gibbons Kay,
Hillier Lynne
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199209)12:2<151::aid-eat2260120205>3.0.co;2-g
Subject(s) - dieting , binge eating , psychology , psychosocial , weight loss , overeating , clinical psychology , eating disorders , body mass index , binge eating disorder , obesity , developmental psychology , bulimia nervosa , psychiatry , medicine , pathology
This study examined the predictors of dieting, extreme weight loss behaviors, and binge eating in adolescents (606 females and 315 males). High school classes were administered measures of weight loss behaviors, binge eating, perceived current and ideal body size, body dissatisfaction, advantages of being thinner and physically fitter, satisfaction with fitness, depression, self‐esteem, parental overprotection, parental caring, and family adaptability and cohesion. Principal component analyses grouped predictor (body image, psychosocial) and criterion (weight loss behaviors, binge eating) variables. The primary predictor of weight loss behaviors in both sexes and binge eating in girls was the desire to be thinner which included a larger current body size. Psychological and family variables played lesser roles but were significantly predictive in a number of cases. Sex differences in factor structures and important predictors emerged. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.