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Religiousness and disordered eating: does religiousness modify family risk?
Larry F Forthun1, Boyd W Pidcock, Judith L Fischer
1Penn State University, DuBois Campus, College Place, Dubois, PA 15801, USA. LFF3@psu.edu
Eating Behaviors
|March 6, 2004
Summary
Intrinsic religiousness protects against family risk for disordered eating in women. Conversely, extrinsic religiousness amplifies this risk, highlighting distinct roles in eating disorder development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Family factors significantly contribute to the development of disordered eating.
- The influence of religiousness on mental health, including eating disorders, is complex and warrants further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness moderate the association between family risk factors and disordered eating among college women.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 876 college women aged 18–29.
- Statistical analyses were used to assess the moderating effects of intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness on the relationship between family risk and disordered eating.
Main Results:
- Higher intrinsic religiousness buffered the impact of family risk on disordered eating.
- Lower intrinsic religiousness was associated with a significant positive relationship between family risk and disordered eating.
- Higher extrinsic religiousness was linked to a stronger association between family risk and disordered eating, indicating an enhanced vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic religiousness may serve as a protective factor against disordered eating in the presence of family risk.
- Extrinsic religiousness may exacerbate the risk of disordered eating influenced by family factors.
- Further research should explore additional moderators and specific religious aspects contributing to eating disorder risk and resilience.