Etiological model of disordered eating behaviors in Brazilian adolescent girls

Cad Saude Publica. 2016;32(4):e000024115. doi: 10.1590/0102-311X00024115. Epub 2016 May 10.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

The objective was to construct an etiological model of disordered eating behaviors in Brazilian adolescent girls. A total of 1,358 adolescent girls from four cities participated. The study used psychometric scales to assess disordered eating behaviors, body dissatisfaction, media pressure, self-esteem, mood, depressive symptoms, and perfectionism. Weight, height, and skinfolds were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%F). Structural equation modeling explained 76% of variance in disordered eating behaviors (F(9, 1,351) = 74.50; p = 0.001). The findings indicate that body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between media pressures, self-esteem, mood, BMI, %F, and disordered eating behaviors (F(9, 1,351) = 59.89; p = 0.001). Although depressive symptoms were not related to body dissatisfaction, the model indicated a direct relationship with disordered eating behaviors (F(2, 1,356) = 23.98; p = 0.001). In conclusion, only perfectionism failed to fit the etiological model of disordered eating behaviors in Brazilian adolescent girls.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Body Image
  • Body Mass Index
  • Brazil
  • Child
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / classification
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Perfectionism
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk-Taking