Open AccessDisordered eating and internalizing symptoms in preadolescence
Author(s) -
Thomas Kai S.,
Williams Marc O.,
Vanderwert Ross E.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.1904
Subject(s) - preadolescence , disordered eating , anxiety , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , psychology , psychological intervention , eating disorders , longitudinal study , medicine , psychiatry , developmental psychology , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Objectives Research has demonstrated links between disordered eating, anxiety, and depression in adults and adolescents but there is limited research investigating these associations in preadolescence. The current study examined the associations between disordered eating, anxiety, and depression during preadolescence, as well as the role of gender in moderating these associations. Method Two hundred and thirteen children ( M = 10.3 years; 51.2% male) reported levels of disordered eating (ChEAT) and anxiety and depression symptoms (RCADS‐25). Results Regression analyses support an association between disordered eating and both anxiety and depression in preadolescence. Overall, there were no significant differences between boys and girls when the main effect was examined, which differs from research in adolescents. Discussion These findings highlight the importance of early detection for disordered eating behaviors and attitudes, as well as anxiety and depression in both boys and girls during preadolescence. Longitudinal research examining these associations is vital to help understand the trajectories of these problems, but also the gender differences in disordered eating that emerge during adolescence. Transdiagnostic interventions targeting several co‐occurring problems, such as disordered eating, anxiety, and depression might be effective for preventing the development of eating disorders in the long term.