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Eating behavior, depression, and self-esteem in high school students.
1Department Psychiatry, Medical School University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Summary
Disordered eating behaviors are prevalent in adolescents, with significant differences observed between genders and weight satisfaction levels. Identifying risk factors is crucial for early intervention in eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Disordered eating behaviors are a growing concern among adolescents.
- Understanding the interplay between psychosocial factors and eating patterns is essential for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key risk factors for disordered eating in a representative sample of Slovene high school students.
- To examine the correlations between eating behaviors and psychosocial/psychological characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 4700 Slovene high school students (2507 girls, 2193 boys).
- The survey included validated scales for depression (Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale) and self-esteem (Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale).
- Data collected included body weight satisfaction, weight-reducing activities, binge eating frequency, family relationships, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation/tendencies.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in eating behaviors were found between girls and boys.
- Dissatisfaction with body weight was associated with distinct eating patterns.
- Frequent binge eating showed significant correlations with other assessed psychological and behavioral factors.
Conclusions:
- A considerable proportion of adolescents exhibit disordered eating behaviors.
- Certain adolescents are identified as being at high risk for developing clinical eating disorders.
- These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support systems within adolescent populations.