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Beyond shape and weight: Exploring the relationship between nonbody determinants of self‐esteem and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent females
Author(s) -
Geller Josie,
Zaitsoff Shan L.,
Srikameswaran Suja
Publication year - 2002
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/eat.10083
Subject(s) - self esteem , psychology , competence (human resources) , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , eating disorders , human physical appearance , social psychology
Abstract Objective Recent research using the Shape and Weight‐Based Self‐Esteem (SAWBS) Inventory has shown that basing self‐esteem on shape and weight is related to eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms. This study examined the relationship between other determinants of self‐esteem assessed in the SAWBS Inventory (e.g., friendships, intimate relationships, school/work competence) and eating disorder and psychological health variables. Method Female high school adolescents ( N = 235) participated in this study. The relative contribution of the self‐esteem dimensions to eating disorder and self‐esteem was examined. Results In addition to shape and weight, basing self‐esteem on intimate relationships was also related to higher eating disorder symptoms and lower body and global self‐esteem. The only protective factors to emerge in this study were basing self‐esteem on competence at school and other activities. Discussion Basing self‐esteem on intimate relationships was associated with similar physical and health problems to basing self‐esteem on shape and weight. The implications of these findings with regard to healthy adolescent development are addressed. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 344–351, 2002.